"If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you."
This verse addresses the crime of kidnapping and slave trading within the context of ancient Israel. Let’s break it down and explore its meaning in more detail.
Crime of stealing brethren:The verse specifies that if a man is found stealing any of his fellow Israelites, it refers to the act of kidnapping someone from the community.
Making merchandise or selling:The verse goes on to describe what the thief does with the person he has stolen. The thief either makes merchandise of the individual or sells him. This refers to treating the stolen person as a commodity, objectifying them for personal gain.
Punishment for the thief:The verse states that the punishment for this crime is death. The thief who kidnaps a fellow Israelite and exploits them by selling or treating them as merchandise is to be put to death. This severe punishment is meant to deter such acts and protect the well-being and dignity of individuals within the community.
Removing evil from the community:The purpose of this punishment is to put evil away from among the people. By executing the thief, the community aims to eliminate such acts of kidnapping and the dehumanization of others.
It’s important to note that this verse is specifically addressing the context and laws of ancient Israel. It reflects the values and legal framework of the Israelites during that time, where the preservation of community, justice, and the protection of human dignity were emphasized.
In a broader biblical context, the Bible consistently upholds the inherent value and worth of every individual as being made in the image of God. Other passages in the Bible condemn kidnapping, such as the commandment against stealing (Exodus 20:15) and the apostle Paul’s admonition against enslavers in the New Testament (1 Timothy 1:10).
Overall, Deuteronomy 24:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, emphasizing the seriousness of kidnapping and exploitation, and highlighting the need for justice in society.
