Topical Bible: Property: Personal: Laws Concerning Trespass of, and Violence To

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In the biblical context, personal property is regarded as a significant aspect of an individual's livelihood and well-being. The Scriptures provide various laws and guidelines to protect personal property from trespass and violence, reflecting the importance of justice, respect, and responsibility within the community.

Trespass Against Property

The Old Testament law, particularly in the Pentateuch, outlines specific regulations concerning the protection of personal property. Trespass against property is addressed in several passages, emphasizing restitution and fairness.

1. Exodus 22:1-4 · "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him. A thief must make full restitution; if he owns nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft."

This passage highlights the principle of restitution, where the thief is required to compensate the victim with more than what was stolen, thus deterring theft and ensuring justice.

2. Deuteronomy 19:14 · "You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you will receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess."

Here, the law prohibits the moving of boundary markers, which would constitute an act of trespass and theft of land. This underscores the respect for property rights and the integrity of inheritance.

Violence to Property

The Bible also addresses acts of violence against property, which can include destruction or damage. The laws aim to maintain harmony and prevent disputes within the community.

1. Exodus 22:5-6 · "If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard. If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes and consumes stacked grain, standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution."

These verses illustrate the responsibility of individuals to control their property and prevent it from causing harm to others' possessions. Restitution is required to compensate for any damage caused.

2. Leviticus 24:18 · "Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life."

This law extends the principle of restitution to the killing of animals, which were considered valuable property. The requirement of "life for life" emphasizes the seriousness of the offense and the need for equitable compensation.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not provide specific laws concerning property as the Old Testament does, it reinforces the principles of respect, love, and justice that underpin these laws.

1. Matthew 7:12 · "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets."

This teaching of Jesus encapsulates the ethical treatment of others, including their property, promoting a community where mutual respect and care are paramount.

2. Romans 13:9-10 · "The commandments 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

The apostle Paul reiterates the importance of love as the guiding principle in all interactions, including those involving property. By loving one's neighbor, a person naturally refrains from acts of trespass and violence against their property.

In summary, the biblical laws concerning personal property emphasize restitution, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that justice is upheld within the community. These principles are rooted in the broader biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and live in harmony with others.

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Exodus 21:28-36
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
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Exodus 22:9
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double to his neighbor.
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Deuteronomy 23:25
When you come into the standing corn of your neighbor, then you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not move a sickle to your neighbor's standing corn.
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Library

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... impulse all care concerning religion and personal salvation, it ... against the reputation,
the property, and the ... at its pleasure the laws concerning Religion, and ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

The Morality of the Gospel.
... the polarity of the magnet, the laws of gravitation ... to regulate personal conduct
from personal motives, and ... his authority in a question of property; "Man, who ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii the morality of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws
thereof.'"Ezekiel ... because it was it in which they boiled the trespass-offerings, ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... his life, published in 1692, who was one of his personal friends, gives ... Even
transportation for refusing obedience to such diabolical laws was not the greatest ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part i
... of the second state, the transgression of His holy laws. ... had been new ones and formed
our own exclusive property. ... as we forgive them that trespass against us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... your heart, and often renew your prayer concerning this ... Besides, all our property
or all our means of existence ... The Personal Word of the Father, our Lord Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... And thus much concerning Pliable ... But will it not be counted a trespass against the
Lord of the ... that these two men told Christian, that as to laws and ordinances ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm