In Exodus 19, Yahweh promised that “out of all nations” (5) the Israelites would be for him “a holy nation” (6). But holy in what way? According to Exodus 21 it’s holy in practical terms, in very much down-to-earth things that happen to imperfect people in close community.
But why in verse 16 should “Anyone who kidnaps another – and either sells him or gets caught with him still in his possession – be put to death”? That seems a bit drastic, but there’s a clue in Deuteronomy 24:7, because “Anyone caught kidnapping a fellow Israelite, and has treated him violently or sold him, is a thief who needs to die to purge such evil from among you.”
A kidnapper is classed as “a thief.” And that makes him evil on two counts: first if all, it’s contempt for God and his clear command to not steal (Exodus 20:15). And secondly, it’s contempt for God again, in treating a person made in his very own image as mere property for personal benefit or abuse.
Such contempt for a human being is utterly evil in Yahweh’s sight, and no nation, family or community should remotely tolerate it for a second. And he placed this law between the two laws requiring death for a child who treats his parents with contempt, which surely gets the point across that for any community to survive and thrive it has to “purge such evil from among you.” Stop it in its tracks. Make absolutely sure there are clear and serious consequences, so that “All will hear of it and be afraid” (Deuteronomy 21:21).
Fear of consequences, therefore, is vitally necessary as a deterrent to evil, or as Exodus 20:20 phrases it, “to keep you from sinning.” Imagine a society with no consequences for stealing, or a culture that allows or even encourages kidnapping people to sell as slaves. Nations turning a blind eye to such practices are horrible places to live in. No person or property – or business – is safe.
So what’s the cure? According to the wisdom of Yahweh in Exodus 21, it’s the death penalty. Because in practical terms, what other solution is there for incurable evil? What can anyone do about a person who has no conscience, no intention or even desire to change, views God and people with contempt, and has absolutely no understanding or even interest in the practical holiness in Exodus 21 of “Being responsible and accountable” either?….(next blog)
