Exodus 22

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.

If the sun has risen on him, he is guilty of bloodshed. He shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.

“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten by letting his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.

“If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.

If the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out whether or not he has put his hand on his neighbor’s goods.

For every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

“If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it;

the oath of the LORD shall be between them both, he has not put his hand on his neighbor’s goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.

But if it is stolen from him, the one who stole shall make restitution to its owner.

If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.

“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.

If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.

“If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

“Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.

“He who sacrifices to any god, except to the LORD only, shall be utterly destroyed.

“You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child.

If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;

and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.

If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down,

for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.

“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

“You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. “You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me.

You shall do likewise with your cattle and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days, then on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

“You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any meat that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter presents a collection of civil and moral statutes governing personal responsibility, restitution, justice, and holiness, situated within the broader covenantal framework established after the Ten Commandments. It addresses cases involving theft, property damage, custody disputes, sexual integrity, idolatry, and care for the vulnerable, reflecting how the moral law is applied in communal life under God’s covenant.

Flow.

Begins with laws on theft and restitution, distinguishing between different forms of stolen property and circumstances of liability (vv. 1–4).
Moves to issues of property damage caused by animals or fire, emphasizing accountability for negligence (vv. 5–6).
Addresses entrusted goods and custody disputes, introducing oaths before God to resolve uncertainties (vv. 7–13).
Covers personal conduct, including marriage, sorcery, bestiality, idolatry, and protection of the weak, culminating in laws about firstfruits and holy living (vv. 16–31).

Connections.
Following chapter 21, which deals with social justice and human relationships under the law—particularly regarding servants, homicide, and personal injuries—this chapter extends that concern for justice into broader areas of communal trust, economic integrity, and covenantal holiness. It prepares the way for chapter 23, which focuses on judicial impartiality, Sabbath observance, and the promise of divine presence in the conquest of the land, by establishing a foundation of moral and social responsibility that must characterize Israel as God’s set-apart people.

What it teaches.
The laws here reflect the equity and seriousness of God’s justice, requiring restitution where harm is done and protecting the defenseless. They uphold the sanctity of life and covenant fidelity, condemning idolatry (; cf. WCF 22.2), witchcraft (; cf. HC LD 34), and sexual immorality (; cf. WCF 7.3). The call to care for aliens, widows, and orphans () reflects God’s compassion and warns of divine retribution against oppressors (cf. Deut. 10:18; HC LD 44). The prohibition of interest on loans to the poor () and the requirement to return a poor man’s garment by nightfall () demonstrate that economic relationships must be governed by mercy, in keeping with God’s own gracious character (; cf. HC LD 38). The giving of firstborn sons and animals () points forward to the consecration of life to God (cf. WCF 7.4), while the call to be “holy men” () underscores Israel’s separation unto the Lord (cf. Lev. 11:44).

Apply.
When lending or caring for another’s property, act as one accountable to God, not merely to human standards of fairness.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.