Now comes a list of laws governing the protection of property. An animal thief will repay between 100 and 400%. There is no guilt linked to killing a burglar unless it happens after sunrise. A thief must make retribution, but if he is moneyless he himself should be sold. If a man's animals graze in someone else's fields then the animals' owner must reciprocate from the best of his land. He who starts a fire must pay for the damage caused. If a man has somebody's property in their keeping and it is stolen a judge must rule on the matter unless the thief is caught. If a man borrows an animal and it is injured or dies he must make retribution. This is followed by a list of laws covering social responsibilities such as that a man having sex with a virgin must pay the bride-price and marry her. However if the girl's father is against the marriage the seducer must pay the father the bride-price for virgins. Then sorcery, bestiality and idolatry are said to be punishable with death. Laws are also declared against the ill-treatment of foreigners, widows and orphans. The loan of money is required to be without interest between Hebrews and blasphemy is condemned. Offerings to God should always be forthcoming as were the firstborn of animals and men to be dedicated to God. All Israelites were to be consecrated to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment