10 Commandments: Eighth Commandment

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Thus far: We have analyzed the first seven commandments.The 6th - 9th commandments correspond to the teaching of most religions and cultures. Commandments 1-5 and 10 are peculiar to Judaism.Today we tackle the 8th.TextThe 8th commandmentExodus 20:15: You shall not steal.CommentsCode of Hammurabi (Babylonian)The majority of crimes pertained to property.Draconian penalties.This code merely mirrored the unjust structures of the society in which is was produced. It was not divine in origin.In the Bible, theft requires restitution. The thief must make it up to his victim financially, whatever it takes (Exodus 22:2). About the common misunderstanding of the lex talionis ("eye for eye"): the Torah dictated that the punishment must be appropriate to the crime (not out of proportion to it).And yet even then the Jews preferred to settle things in court.Note: the Jews did not execute for property crimes. The penalty for all crimes (except first degree murder) was commutable to monetary settlement.In the Bible, there is no double-standard.Everyone from commoner to king were under the same holy standard.The king is not a god, nor does he reign with immunity or impunity.ApplicationSome listeners have been involved in actual stealing -- shoplifting, intellectual piracy, burglary, corporate espionage, etc. Repent!If I am tasked with a financial responsibility, am I conducting myself 100% aboveboard? Judas helped himself to the moneybag (John 12:6). Has lack of integrity taken hold in my life?Other ways we may violate the 8th commandment:Long lunch break?Routinely late to work?Calling in "sick" when I'm not that sick?Underpaying certain employees? supporting a prejudicial system?Accepting bribes? conniving at an unethical system?False advertising?Stealing credit?Theft in all its forms is forbidden for Christ-followers (Ephesians 4:28).We are to be not takers, but givers (Acts 20:35).