2007-03-24 05:23:47 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Exodus 21:20-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
20 "If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, 21 but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.
God just looks like a bully.
2007-03-24 05:50:59 · answer #1 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For that time and place it is a remarkably liberal rule. It renders some humanity to the slave, making his death at the hands of a master into murder and the master guilty of a crime. That's more than any other culture of the time ever did.
God understands that human beings do NOT respond well to large, sudden changes in their lives. Baby steps are, however, well tolerated. So He leads His chosen people slowly but surely away from barbarism into civility.
And that the author(s) of this book realize this and make no negative commentary about it is a praiseworthy thing and does indeed glorify the God they worship and serve. They're learning.
When the child learns the lesson well, it reflects well on the teacher. In this case the child is Israel, the teacher is the Lord God.
2007-03-24 12:36:38 · answer #2 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As part of the law, it gave a measure of protection to slaves at the time, to prevent the worse abuses. Thankfully, Jesus died to save us from this. Good example of what Jesus died to change and a good lesson for us to AVOID such simple legalistic mistakes.
2007-03-24 12:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Once again, I must journey to the land of the Libraries.
2007-03-24 12:26:06 · answer #4 · answered by Jedi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a radiator.
2007-03-24 12:27:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋