Exod. 21:2 A person became a servant by being sold by his bankrupted parents, by having committed robbery or by his own initiative.

Exod. 21:5 See section 2 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 21:7-11 GOD's concern for his people is expressed in these dispositions about the servitude of the woman, something unknown among the neighboring cultures.

Exod. 21:12-14 Those who accidently killed someone had a place where they would be protected. Murderers didn't find refuge, not even by GOD's altar.

Exod. 21:18-27 Wherever possible, everyone who has been the victim of any damage on the part of another must receive restitution. An individual responsible for his actions is much more careful in his treatment of others, and therefore must care for those for whom he has caused any harm.

Exod. 21:19 And walk out: Refers to the ability to go out by himself, even with a staff. If the injured person could walk, he was recovered.

Exod. 21:23-27 See the note for Leviticus 24:40.

Exod. 21:26,27 Any servant who should suffer personal injury is repaid with freedom.

Exod. 21:28,29 Killing an animal that kills a person is an evidence of the divine appreciation for life.

Exod. 21:32 Thirty shekels of silver: Price of a good slave.

Exod. 21:34,35 The cistern spoken of here could also be a well. It required raising a small wall around the opening of a well to keep a person or animal from falling in.

Exod. 22:1 The thief had to make restitution.

Exod. 22:2-4 If a thief entered a house at night and died as a result, the person who killed him wouldn't be punished. If it occurred in the daylight hours, the author of the death would be guilty of murder (21:12). The rationale of this standard resides in the ability of the witness to identify the thief and bring him before the judges to respond to the crime.

Exod. 22:13 The body of the dead animal proved that a wild animal had attacked and that the person encharged with its care had tried to protect it.

Exod. 22:16,17 Sex was considered a gift from GOD. By means of it human beings imitate the Creator, by giving life to other human beings who are the image of GOD. Thus, all improper sexual activity was considered an affront to GOD and a debasement of human dignity.

Exod. 22:18 See section 5 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 22:18 Witchcraft is a practice through which one attempts to force a deity or spirits to do what the witch orders.

Exod. 22:22 Afflicting is equivalent to treating inconsiderately.

Exod. 22:25-27 The duty of the rich was to lend to the poor, although usually without interest. Some guarantee could be required, but without causing suffering to the needy.

Exod. 22:28 See section 5 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 22:28 The same honor that is given to GOD is due his representatives.

Exod. 23:2,3 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 23:4 An enemy was someone with whom a dispute is held before the law.

Exod. 23:10,11 See the note for Leviticus 25:1-55.

Exod. 23:14-17 Feasting was a way of resting from one's daily work and resting in GOD's grace and mercy.