Home Invasion, Robbery, and Self-Defense Laws - פרשת משפטים

See source hereThe provided texts analyze the biblical passage concerning a thief entering a home (Exodus 22:1-2), focusing on interpretations of key phrases like "במחתרת" (breaking in), "אין לו דמים" (no blood is on him), and "אם זרחה השמש עליו" (if the sun has risen on him). Various commentators, including Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, Shadal, and R. David Zvi Hoffmann, offer differing perspectives on whether the homeowner is justified in killing the thief, particularly at night. They debate to whom the phrase "אין לו דמים" refers—the homeowner or the thief—and under what circumstances deadly force is permissible. These interpretations grapple with balancing the protection of property and the sanctity of human life. Daniel Penny's story provides a real-world example of someone defending others from danger.