“If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”
Exodus 22:3 is part of a section in the book of Exodus known as the “Book of the Covenant.” This section contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses, outlining guidelines for their conduct and interactions with one another.
In this particular verse, God addresses the issue of theft and restitution.
The verse states that if a thief is caught in the act after sunrise, there are consequences that follow.
Firstly, it mentions that blood shall be shed for the thief. This can be understood to mean that the thief may be subject to capital punishment for their crime.
The second part of the verse highlights the principle of restitution. It emphasizes that the thief should make full restitution for what they have stolen. Restitution involves returning or compensating for the value of the stolen item(s) to the victim. This requirement ensures that justice is served and the victim is adequately compensated for their loss.
Furthermore, if the thief is unable to make restitution due to poverty or lack of resources, the verse suggests an alternative consequence: the thief may be sold into servitude or slavery as a means to repay the debt. This provision reflects the social and economic context of the time, where indentured servitude was a common practice for repaying debts.
It’s important to note that while Exodus 22:3 provides specific instructions for dealing with theft in ancient Israelite society, it is necessary to interpret and apply these laws within the context of the entire biblical narrative and the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion that are found throughout Scripture.
Overall, this verse highlights the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for one’s actions, as well as the principle of restitution and making amends for the harm caused to others.
