Exodus 22

1 a sheep. The larger amount of restitution required in this case than in that in ver. 4 seems to arise from the persistency in crime shown by the man proceeding to sell or kill; also from the increased difficulty, and perhaps expense, of proving the theft.

2 breaking up. Or, “breaking in” (R.V.), which is commonly done in Eastern countries by digging through the mud wall; see Matt. xxiv. 43.

3 for he should. “For” to be omitted. If a thief steals in the day, and is not killed, then “he shall make full restitution: and if he cannot, he shall be sold.”

13 let him bring it for witness. That is, some part of the animal, as the horns, hoofs, etc., which the man must bring as a proof of his innocence.

15 if it be a hired thing, etc. “If it be hired it goes in the hire”; i.e., the hire is supposed to cover common wear and damage. Of course, wilful and careless mischief would be excepted.

17 the dowry of virgins. This law is placed here partly because the daughter was regarded as the property of the father, and was paid for by the bridegroom, either in money or by service. See Gen. xxix. 15-18, etc.

18 a witch. All pretensions to witchcraft involved the guilt of doing homage to supernatural powers other than God; cp. Lev. xix. 26, 31.

27 sleep. In the East the hyke, or cloak, is often the poor man’s only bed and covering at night.

28 the gods. Elohim, meaning, perhaps, God, the King of Israel (so R.V.); referring to murmuring against His laws or officers. See on xxi. 6.

29 liquors. Heb. “tear”; i.e., the oil or wine pressed from fruit; and perhaps the valuable gums frankincense and myrrh. See Matt. ii. 11.