◄ Exodus 21:27 ►
And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth.
Study Bible
And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant
This phrase addresses the treatment of servants, reflecting the broader context of ancient Near Eastern laws. The loss of a tooth, though seemingly minor, symbolizes a significant injury in this context. The law emphasizes the value and dignity of the servant, acknowledging their rights and protection under the law. This reflects the principle of justice and fairness, ensuring that even those in servitude are not subjected to undue harm. The cultural context of the time often saw servants as property, yet this law elevates their status by providing them with specific rights.

he must let the servant go free
The requirement to release the servant underscores the principle of restitution and justice. This provision serves as a deterrent against mistreatment, ensuring that masters are held accountable for their actions. The freedom granted to the servant is a form of compensation, recognizing the personal loss and injury suffered. This reflects the biblical theme of liberation and redemption, which is echoed throughout Scripture, including the ultimate liberation found in Christ.

as compensation for the tooth
The concept of compensation here is rooted in the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is also seen in the "eye for an eye" principle. However, rather than exacting physical retribution, the law provides a form of restorative justice. This anticipates the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who emphasizes mercy and forgiveness over strict retribution. The compensation serves as a tangible acknowledgment of the servant's injury and loss, ensuring that justice is served in a manner that restores dignity and balance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Exodus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws were given, forming the covenant community under God's guidance.

3. Servants
In this context, refers to Hebrew servants who were part of the Israelite community and had specific rights and protections under the law.

4. Master
The person who owns the servant and is responsible for their treatment according to the law.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the laws from God, including the laws concerning the treatment of servants.
Teaching Points
Principle of Justice and Fairness
The law in Exodus 21:27 emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in the treatment of others, especially those in vulnerable positions. It reflects God's concern for the dignity and rights of every individual.

Value of Human Life
The requirement to release a servant for the loss of a tooth underscores the value of human life and well-being over property or economic gain. It teaches us to prioritize people over possessions.

Compassionate Leadership
Leaders and those in authority are called to exercise their power with compassion and integrity, ensuring that those under their care are treated with respect and justice.

Restorative Justice
The law provides a form of restorative justice, where the wronged party is compensated, and relationships are restored. This principle can guide us in resolving conflicts and seeking reconciliation.

Reflection of God's Character
The laws given to Israel reflect God's character—His justice, mercy, and care for the oppressed. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these attributes in our interactions with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the law in Exodus 21:27 reflect God's concern for justice and the well-being of individuals?

2. In what ways can the principle of "an eye for an eye" be understood in the context of fairness and proportional justice?

3. How can we apply the principle of compassionate leadership in our own spheres of influence today?

4. What are some practical ways we can prioritize people over possessions in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding God's character as reflected in these laws influence our approach to justice and mercy in our communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 24:19-20
This passage discusses the principle of "an eye for an eye," which is a broader context for understanding the justice system in ancient Israel, emphasizing proportional justice.

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
Provides additional laws regarding the release of Hebrew servants, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and eventual freedom.

Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule, which reflects the underlying principle of treating others with fairness and respect, as seen in the laws given in Exodus.
Sermons
Bodily InjuriesJ. Orr Exodus 21:18-36
People
Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Account, Blow, Bondman's, Bondwoman's, Caused, Compensate, Female, Free, Freeman, Handmaid, Handmaid's, Knock, Knocks, Loss, Maidservant, Maidservant's, Maid-servant's, Male, Manservant, Man-servant, Manservant's, Man-servant's, Sake, Servant, Servant's, Slave, Smite, Strikes, Tooth, Tooth's
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 21:23-27

     5483   punishment

Exodus 21:26-27

     5264   compensation

Library
The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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