Exodus 21

In Exodus 21, some civil laws showing how to get along in the context and culture of the time are pointed out. They did not have jails, banks or a money system like we do today. If someone owed another person a debt, they would work for that person to pay that debt. If a thief had to repay a debt to someone, they had to work to pay it back. If people were struggling with poverty, they would offer to work for others in exchange for food and shelter. There were no laws to protect these people. The laws at the time only favored the masters in these situations. God hates injustice and oppression. God laid out laws to protect the servants rather than the masters. God laid out laws to protect the oppressed and marginalized in these situations. God laid out laws setting boundaries bringing safety, and even freedom if they chose it. Though we don't live in the same cultural time and space today, we see God's heart and character reflected in these laws. A heart of fairness, honesty, love, compassion, mercy, grace, and kindness.