“Make restitution” (Hebrew “yi-shalam”) occur 14 times in Exodus 21:34-22:14. “Shalam” means make whole or complete. It is related to the Hebrew word, “Shalom” which means “peace, health.”
A. More Case Laws on Restitution (22:1-15)
Examples of restitution by Jews:
a) Add a fifth – for missed offering, delayed tithing (Lev 5:16, 27:30)
b) Restore fourfold – for fraud, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8)
B. Laws on Social Justice (22:16-27)
All the above laws are related fellow men. Some sayings from human philosophers are:
“Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you” (Confuciunism, Analects 15:23)
“This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you” (Hinduism: Mahabharata 5:1517): “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful” (Buddhism, Udanavarga 5:18). These texts were written between 500 and 400 BC.
“Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you.” (Greek, Socrates, 5th century B.C.)
“What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary.” (Talmud, Shabbat 31a.)
The above principles of moral reciprocity are stated negatively.
Jesus says it positively, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 7:12).
Jesus cited the last part of Leviticus 19:18 as the second commandment of love “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Apostles James affirms Jesus’ proactive approach to social justice, saying, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17).
The Apostle Paul writes a whole chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13.
For Christians, social justice is upheld by the same principle of love for fellow human beings. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love.
C. Laws on Honoring God & Ruler (22:28-31)
This principle of reverence for God and respect for rulers is mentioned in the New Testament:
Firstfruits offering of the Old Testament is not mandatory for Christians. Christians are free to offer firstfruits offering as act of thanksgiving to God. Examples are: a) dedication of the first son to God to serve as a pastor/missionary, b) offer of first month’s salary, c) offer of first fruits of orchard harvest, d) offer of first-born from the domestic animals
Christians set aside a collection “on the first day of the week” as a love offering to God (1 Cor 16:2). Christians are to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully in response to the love and grace that abound in Christ (2 Cor 9:6-7).
Reflections
In Singapore, the law of restitution has two principles:
Can you recognize the underlying principles of each of the laws of restitution of the ancient Israelites?
Today, social justice has been defined in various ways:
Sadly, there is a tension between a God-centered approach to social justice and a man-centered approach to social justice. The man-centered approach sees the government in the role of savior, bringing in a utopia through government policies. The God-centered approach sees Christ as Savior, bringing righteousness and peace to earth when He returns.
What is God’s view of social justice?
The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice. In fact, “all His ways are justice” (Deut 32:4). Social justice is show by concern and care for the plight of the poor and afflicted (Deut 10:18; 24:17; 27:19). God cares for the fatherless, the widows and the sojourners (James 1:27)
Further reading
What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.org
What is the Golden Rule? | GotQuestions.org
What does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.org
