Overview
Exodus 21 is part of the Covenant Code and details various laws and ordinances following the Ten Commandments. This chapter addresses: Hebrew Servitude: It sets terms for the treatment and release of Hebrew servants, specifying that a Hebrew slave should be freed in the seventh year without payment. Personal Injury: The chapter lays out laws for dealing with physical injuries caused by one person to another, including penalties for assault and murder. It differentiates between intentional and accidental harm and specifies punishments accordingly. Property and Restitution: There are also laws concerning the protection of property and the consequences when damage is caused, whether to animals or possessions.
These laws highlight the importance of justice and responsibility in the community and reflect the social and moral framework of ancient Israelite society. They are aimed at regulating various aspects of daily life, ensuring fairness and protection of rights within the community.