REGULATIONS CONCERNING FARMING THEFT AND DAMAGE (EXODUS 22:1). Here we have five main paragraphs which begin with ‘if (ci) a man' or ‘if (ci) a fire' (English text (verses) Exodus 22:1; Exodus 22:5; Exodus 22:10), and a number of subparagraphs commencing with ‘if' ('im), but in all cases there is n... [ Continue Reading ]
EXPANSION OF THE TEN WORDS OF THE COVENANT (EXODUS 20:22 TO EXODUS 23:33). In this section, which is composed of elements put together mainly in chiastic form (see later), Yahweh expands on the Ten Words of the covenant. Notice that it begins with ‘and Yahweh said to Moses'. This proceeds as follow... [ Continue Reading ]
TWO FURTHER COMMANDMENTS (EXODUS 22:14). Both these verses begin with ‘and if', differentiating them from the previous section. They deal with borrowing and enticement and stand on their own. BORROWING FROM A NEIGHBOUR AND THE ENTICEMENT OF A VIRGIN (EXODUS 22:14) These two examples go together b... [ Continue Reading ]
SUNDRY REGULATIONS (EXODUS 22:18 TO EXODUS 23:9). The regulations that follow are mainly apodictic, direct commands made specifically by God requiring total obedience. As such they are not paralleled in the law codes. REGULATIONS CONCERNING UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT - THREE DEADLY SINS AND TWO CALLS FO... [ Continue Reading ]
REGULATIONS ABOUT DUTY TO GOD (EXODUS 22:28). Again we might discern a pattern as follows: a Not to revile God or ruler (Exodus 22:28). b Not to delay offering firstfruits of corn and vintage (Exodus 22:29 a). c The firstborn of their sons to be given to Yahweh (Exodus 22:29 b). c Firstborn of... [ Continue Reading ]