Exodus 22:28-31

28 ¹“You shall not revile God, nor ²curse a ruler of your people.

29 “You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. ³The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me.

30 ⁴You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: ⁵seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

31 ⁶“You shall be consecrated to me. Therefore ⁷you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; ⁸you shall throw it to the dogs.

Exodus 22:28-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 22

This chapter contains various laws concerning theft, Ex 22:1-4, concerning damage done to fields and vineyards by beasts, and to corn in stacks or standing, by fire, Ex 22:5,6, concerning anything or creature deposited in the hands of a neighbour, and they be stolen or lost by one means or another, Ex 22:7-13, concerning anything borrowed, and it comes to any damage, Ex 22:14,15, concerning fornication, Ex 22:16,17 concerning witchcraft, bestiality, and idolatry, Ex 22:18-20 concerning oppression, and affliction of the stranger, fatherless, and widow, Ex 22:21-24 concerning taking usury and pledges, Ex 22:25-27, concerning irreverence to magistrates, Ex 22:28, concerning the offering of firstfruits to God, Ex 22:29,30 and the chapter is concluded with a prohibition of eating anything torn by beasts, Ex 22:31.

Cross References

• 1. 22:28 Cited Acts 23:5; [2 Sam. 19:21; Eccles. 10:20; Jude 8]
• 2. 22:28 Cited Acts 23:5; [2 Sam. 19:21; Eccles. 10:20; Jude 8]
• 3. 22:29 See ch. 13:2
• 4. 22:30 Deut. 15:19
• 5. 22:30 Lev. 22:27
• 6. 22:31 ch. 19:6; Lev. 11:44, 45
• 7. 22:31 Lev. 22:8; Ezek. 4:14; 44:31
• 8. 22:31 [Matt. 7:6]