Exo 22:1 | KingComments | STEP | A theft – here we are in the application of the eighth commandment ( ) – is considered on a case by case basis. Some differences are made. In case of theft and slaughter or resale, five or four times ( ; ) must be paid, depending on the animal that has been stolen. If the animal is still alive in the thief’s possession, the thief must give double as compensation. We see here that theft does not make someone richer, but poorer. Unlawfully obtained profit means the loss of one’s own property. This can also be applied spiritually. Every man who lives to receive honor from men steals that honor from God to Whom all honor is due. He who lives to be honored by men will lose his human dignity. The law also makes a difference between theft during the day and theft at night. It is assumed that the thief will break in at night. If he is caught and killed, the one who killed him will go free. In this case, the thief loses not only what he would have stolen and the compensation he would have to pay, but also his life. However, if the thief works during the day and is caught and killed, the one who killed him will not go unpunished. It is assumed that it is not necessary to kill a thief during the day. You can then call for help. But in the night, everyone sleeps and the situation is incalculable. This rule shows that even the life of a thief cannot be taken for granted. We must not act out of revenge. The judgment on a crime must be established by the judge. The great contrast of compensation in case of theft is the Lord Jesus. He has given back to God through His work on the cross what He did not steal: the honor of God ( ). Therefore, for all eternity, He will receive the honor He is worth and is due to Him.

‏ Exodus 22:1

Regulations in Case of Theft

A theft – here we are in the application of the eighth commandment (Exo 20:15) – is considered on a case by case basis. Some differences are made. In case of theft and slaughter or resale, five or four times (2Sam 12:6; Lk 19:8) must be paid, depending on the animal that has been stolen. If the animal is still alive in the thief’s possession, the thief must give double as compensation.

We see here that theft does not make someone richer, but poorer. Unlawfully obtained profit means the loss of one’s own property. This can also be applied spiritually. Every man who lives to receive honor from men steals that honor from God to Whom all honor is due. He who lives to be honored by men will lose his human dignity.

The law also makes a difference between theft during the day and theft at night. It is assumed that the thief will break in at night. If he is caught and killed, the one who killed him will go free. In this case, the thief loses not only what he would have stolen and the compensation he would have to pay, but also his life.

However, if the thief works during the day and is caught and killed, the one who killed him will not go unpunished. It is assumed that it is not necessary to kill a thief during the day. You can then call for help. But in the night, everyone sleeps and the situation is incalculable. This rule shows that even the life of a thief cannot be taken for granted. We must not act out of revenge. The judgment on a crime must be established by the judge.

The great contrast of compensation in case of theft is the Lord Jesus. He has given back to God through His work on the cross what He did not steal: the honor of God (Psa 69:4b). Therefore, for all eternity, He will receive the honor He is worth and is due to Him.