The last part of Exodus chapter 22 includes a variety of laws. Remember, this is written to a people that have not had true fellowship with God for 400 years. Before I came to salvation, I did not know God’s standard of righteousness. Our nation has become biblically illiterate; as we can see by reading through these sundry laws, the new Jewish nation needed to be taught God’s standard again as well. Verse 16 begins, “If a man seduces a virgin… and lies with her, he must pay the dowry for her to be his wife“. Our young ladies have not been taught the great prize they are giving away. Young men are not committing to marriage because they don’t have to. As a result “sex without consequences” has left many women feeling worthless. The text goes on to say, “If her father refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the price“. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives a parable about a merchant seeking fine jewels, “and finding a pearl of great value, he sold everything he had and bought it“. Whether you feel like it or not, YOU ARE THAT PRECIOUS PEARL! Jesus Christ died on the cross because you are worth that great price. Once we understand how much God loves us, we cannot feel worthless. Men, treat your women like treasures, and they WILL be.
The chapter continues, “Do not allow a sorceress to live” and later, “Anyone that sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed“. These Egyptian-born Jews had to root out the idolatry and God is not ambiguous. We too must understand, Satan is real and is NOT to be played with. Alone, we are no match for Satan, But Jesus Christ defeated him once and for all through His death and resurrection. Our safety is found in Christ. Verse 19 reads, “Any one who has sexual relations with animals must be put to death“. Again, God must deal harshly with certain sins to protect His people. How many venereal diseases originated through contact with animals? God also warns not to “mistreat an alien, for you were aliens in Egypt“. Sometimes we are hardest on people that closest to us, but we need to be reminded, we are all just sinners saved by grace.
The chapter concludes with a rapid fire set of laws, “Do not take advantage of widows and orphans“; “Charge no interest” to the needy; “Do not blaspheme God“, and “You shall not delay the offering of your harvest“. And notice the personal terms God uses, “My anger will be aroused…I will hear their cry…I will hear for I am compassionate…give them to Me…you will be MY holy people“. God looks at how we treat His children very closely. In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus explains, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me“. Our God is a very personal God indeed. May you come to know Him more intimately this Christmas season.