Exodus 22:7-9

7 “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.
8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must[a] determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property.
9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges.[b] The one whom the judges declare[c] guilty must pay back double to the other.

Exodus 22:7-9 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 4

  • 1. ver 10; Leviticus 6:2
  • 2. ver 4; S Genesis 43:12
  • 3. S Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 19:17
  • 4. ver 8; ver 28; Deuteronomy 25:1

Footnotes 3

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