Bible Summary:

1. Stealing sheep or cows can result in restitution up to five times the loss, and the thief can be sold as a slave if he cannot pay.
2. A homeowner is innocent of killing a burglar at night, but guilty of murder if done during the day.
3. If an animal strays and eats someone’s crops, the owner must repay the loss.
4. If a fire gets out of control and destroys a neighbor’s crops, the fire starter must pay for the damages.
5. If the money a man holds for another is stolen, he must make an oath at the place of worship that he did not steal it or face the penalty for stealing.
6. If a man cares for another’s animals and they are stolen, he must repay the owner.
7. If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, he must pay the bride price for her, even if the father refuses to allow him to marry her.
8. Put to death, any woman practicing magic, any man having sex with animals, and anyone offering sacrifice to another god.
9. Do not mistreat foreigners, widows or orphans.
10. If you lend money to the poor, do not collect interest.
11. All disputes are to be resolved at the place of worship.
12. Do not speak evil of God.
13. Do not curse the leader of your people.
14. Give offerings of grain, wine, and olive oil when they are due.
15. Give God your first-born sons, cattle, and sheep.

My Thoughts:

More Laws: These laws from 3500 years ago were likely the basis for our laws today.

Supporting Organized Religion: I believe this story announces the beginning of organized religion. All disputes are to be resolved at the place of worship, which were headed up by Moses’ appointed judges. People were to support these “priests” with regular offerings of grain, wine and olive oil.

First-born Interpretation: I do not read the first-born law literally, as in sacrificing them, but as giving the first-born sons into the priesthood and the animals for food.