2 If the thief is found abreaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, thereshallbebno guilt for his bloodshed.
3 If the sun has risen on him, thereshallbe guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be asold for his theft.
4 If the theft is certainlya found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall brestore double.
5 “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.
6 “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the field is consumed, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7 “If a man adelivers to his neighbor money or articles to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, bif the thief is found, he shall pay double.
8 If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the ajudges tosee whether he has put his hand into his neighbor’s goods.
The penalty for thievery to avert hunger was not as severe as stealing motivated by greed. Nevertheless, any kind of stealing is shameful (Jeremiah 2:26). We should ask God to provide for our needs so that we will not be tempted to steal to survive (Proverbs 30:7-9).
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.
