Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 21

Exodus 21:1: Judicial Laws This section introduces a collection of laws, called judgments, that God gave to Israel to guide their society. These laws mostly deal with how people should treat each other. God gave these laws directly, making Israel’s government unique. The laws were meant to bring justice and happiness to the people, showing God’s wisdom. They especially encouraged kind and fair treatment of servants, reminding the Israelites not to repeat the harshness they suffered in Egypt. These laws show that just because someone has been treated badly by others in power, it does not excuse them to act the same way when they have power themselves (Exodus 18:15 ).v. 1: This verse gives the title for all the laws in this and the next two chapters. It tells Moses to set these rules before the people, which include some laws about worship but mostly about daily life and justice between people. God now provides general laws to handle cases that Moses used to ask God about one by one.

v. 2: If someone buys a Hebrew servant, the servant must work for six years. In the seventh year, he is set free without having to pay anything. This rule teaches both masters and servants about mercy and moderation. It reminds the Israelites that they were once slaves themselves in Egypt, so now that they are free, they should not treat others harshly .

v. 3: If a servant started out single, he leaves single. If he was married when he became a servant, his wife leaves with him. This law considers the servant’s family situation and protects his rights as a husband .

v. 4: If the master gave the servant a wife and they had children, the wife and children stay with the master, but the servant goes free alone. The servant had to choose between freedom and staying with his family in service .

v. 5: If the servant openly says he loves his master, wife, and children and does not want to go free, he can choose to stay. This shows that serving out of love is more meaningful than being forced. It also teaches about loyalty and commitment .

v. 6: To make this choice permanent, the master brings the servant to the judges and then to the door or doorpost. The master pierces the servant’s ear as a sign, and the servant stays for life. This law puts a mark on servants who refuse freedom to remind everyone that God values liberty. This idea is echoed in the New Testament where Christians are reminded that they are “bought with a price” and should not be slaves to anyone (1 Corinthians 7:23 ). It also shows that masters must not abuse their servants, as one day their roles could be reversed (Philemon 16 ).

v. 7: If a man sells his daughter as a maidservant, she does not go free in the same way as male servants. This law protects young girls who were sold due to poverty, often in hopes that they would be married into the master’s family .

v. 8: If the master does not want to marry her after all, he must let her be redeemed (bought back). He cannot sell her to foreigners, since he promised to take care of her. This law guards the girl’s rights and dignity, so she would not be treated unfairly .

v. 9: If the master arranges for the girl to marry his son, he must treat her like a daughter. This means she receives the same respect and care as any other daughter in the family .

v. 10: If the husband takes another wife, he must not reduce the first wife’s food, clothing, or marital rights. God wants to make sure the woman is always treated fairly and with care, even if her husband marries again .

v. 11: If he fails to provide these three things—food, clothing, and marriage rights—she is allowed to leave and does not have to pay anything. This law protects her from neglect and gives her freedom if she is not cared for .

Exodus 21:12-21: Laws on Violence and Respect for Life This section explains God's laws about violence, murder, and respect for parents. These laws show that God values human life and family relationships. Killing someone on purpose was a very serious crime, but God also made special rules for accidents. God wanted children to respect their parents and for everyone to treat others fairly. There are also rules about stealing people (kidnapping) and about how to treat servants. These judgments were given to keep order and justice among the Israelites.v. 12: If someone hits another person and kills them, the killer must be put to death. God wants to protect human life. This follows the old command: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12 ).

v. 13: If a person kills someone by accident, without planning it, God provides a place for him to run to for safety. This shows that God understands accidents happen, and He makes a way to protect those who did not mean to kill .

v. 14: But if someone kills another on purpose, using trickery or planning, even if he runs to God’s altar for protection, he must still be taken away and put to death. God does not allow anyone to escape justice for murder .

v. 15: Anyone who hits their father or mother must be put to death. God wants children to respect and honor their parents. Harming them is a very serious sin .

v. 16: If someone kidnaps another person, or sells them, or if the person is found in his possession, the kidnapper must be put to death. This law protects people from being stolen and sold as slaves. The New Testament also says that kidnapping is a great crime (1 Timothy 1:10; Exodus 21:16 ).

v. 17: If anyone curses their father or mother, they must also be put to death. Using hateful or disrespectful words against parents is a grave offense to God .

v. 18: If two people fight and one injures the other with a stone or a fist, but the injured person does not die but has to stay in bed, there are rules to follow .

v. 19: If the injured person gets better and can walk outside with a staff, then the one who caused the hurt is not to be put to death. Instead, he must pay for the injured person’s lost time and make sure he is completely healed. This law teaches responsibility for hurting others .

v. 20: If a man hits his servant or maid with a rod and the servant dies right away, the master must be punished. This shows that God cares about the lives of servants as well .

v. 21: But if the servant lives for a day or two after the beating, the master is not punished, because the servant is his property. Still, this law reminds masters not to be cruel, and the New Testament warns masters to treat servants kindly (Ephesians 6:9; Job 31:13-15 ;.

Exodus 21:22-36: Laws about Injury, Responsibility, and Fairness This section shows how God’s law protects people, especially those who are weak or in danger, like pregnant women and servants. The laws teach fairness and responsibility. If someone causes harm, they must make things right. The famous rule “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is explained here, but it was meant for judges to use, not for people to take revenge themselves (Matthew 5:38-39 ). God also cares about animals and property, and He wants people to be careful so they do not hurt others by accident or neglect. These rules help everyone live together in peace and justice.v. 22: If men are fighting and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth early, but there is no other harm, the one who caused it must pay a fine. The husband decides the amount, and the judges approve it. This law shows special care for pregnant women and their babies .

v. 23: But if there is further harm, then the punishment must fit the injury. If someone dies, it is “life for life.” This teaches that life is very valuable and must be protected .

v. 24: The law says, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This means the punishment should match the crime, not be too harsh or too soft. It is a rule for judges, not for personal revenge (Exodus 21:24; Matthew 5:38 ).

v. 25: The same rule applies for burns, wounds, or stripes. The punishment must be fair and equal to the harm done .

v. 26: If a master injures a servant’s eye so that the servant loses it, the servant must be set free as compensation. This law protects servants from abuse .

v. 27: If a master knocks out a servant’s tooth, the servant also goes free. Even small injuries must be taken seriously, and servants have rights .

v. 28: If an ox kills a man or woman, the ox must be stoned, and its meat cannot be eaten. The owner is not punished if this was the first time the ox was dangerous. This law shows God’s care for human life and teaches people to be careful with their animals .

v. 29: But if the ox was known to be dangerous before, and the owner did nothing to stop it, both the ox and the owner must be put to death if the ox kills someone. This teaches that people are responsible for preventing harm when they know about a danger .

v. 30: If the owner’s life can be saved by paying a fine, he must pay whatever is demanded. This allows for mercy in some cases, but the owner is still responsible .

v. 31: The same rule applies if the ox kills a son or daughter. The law is fair for everyone, no matter who is hurt .

v. 32: If the ox kills a servant, the owner must pay the servant’s master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox is stoned. This shows that servants’ lives are valuable, and their masters must be compensated .

v. 33: If someone digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or donkey falls in, the person who made the pit must pay for the animal .

v. 34: The owner of the pit must pay money to the animal’s owner, but he can keep the dead animal. This teaches people to be careful and responsible for dangers they create .

v. 35: If one person’s ox kills another person’s ox, they must sell the live ox and split the money and the dead ox. This is a fair way to share the loss .

v. 36: But if the ox was known to be dangerous and the owner did not keep it in, he must pay for the other ox, and the dead ox becomes his. This teaches that people must prevent harm if they know about a risk (Exodus 21:36 ).