June 27, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 22 – Justice, Mercy, and Responsibility in Daily Life
God’s Social and Moral Order in the Old Covenant
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Bible Text – Exodus 22 (KJV)
1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
3 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.
4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man’s field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.
9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
10 If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
11 Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
13 If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
14 And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
15 But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
16 And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26 If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
29 Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30 Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
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Introduction
Chapter 22 of the book of Exodus contains a collection of laws that regulated everyday life in ancient Israel. It addresses the protection of property, the treatment of the socially vulnerable, justice, and reverence for God. These laws are more than mere legal instructions — they reveal God’s heart for order, care, and holiness. Although originating in an ancient culture, they convey timeless principles that still apply today in our ethical and social considerations.
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Commentary
1. Protection of Property (Verses 1–6)
God provides guidance on how to deal with theft, property damage, and personal responsibility.
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Self-defense during a break-in is permitted, but only at night.
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A thief must repay double.
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Anyone causing damage to another’s field or starting a fire is held accountable.
Core principle: Responsibility for harm and clear restitution.
2. Trust and Disputes (Verses 6–14)
When property is entrusted to someone, their honesty is assessed, especially in case of loss or theft.
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A sworn oath before God is binding.
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Borrowed items must be replaced, except when the owner is present.
Core principle: Trust and accountability go hand in hand.
3. Moral and Religious Laws (Verses 15–20)
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Sexual relationships are regulated: seduction leads to marriage or financial compensation.
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Sorcery, idolatry, and bestiality are punishable by death.
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God tolerates no idolatry — He alone is Lord.
Core principle: Holiness before God and protection of human dignity.
4. Protection of the Vulnerable (Verses 20–26)
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Foreigners, widows, and orphans must not be oppressed.
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God hears their cry and will personally judge.
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No usury or exploitation in pledges.
Core principle: Mercy, justice, and protection for the helpless.
5. Reverence for God and Respect for Authority (Verses 27–30)
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Blasphemy is forbidden.
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Firstborn humans and animals belong to God.
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Holiness is reflected even in what we eat.
Core principle: Reverence, devotion, and consecration to God’s service.
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Summary
Exodus 22 shows that God’s law extends beyond religious rituals and into the everyday. It establishes social justice, protects the weak, and promotes a life of responsibility and reverence. God is both a just judge and a merciful redeemer. He loves justice but also delights in compassion. His people are called to live differently — with integrity, empathy, and holiness.
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Message for Us Today
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Take responsibility: Even today, we are called to take responsibility for the damage we cause — whether material or relational.
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Honor trust: When something is entrusted to us — possessions or people’s trust — we must handle it with faithfulness.
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Live social justice: Protecting the vulnerable, offering help, and acting fairly in all areas of life are marks of true faith.
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Cultivate reverence for God: A life lived in reverence for God shapes our behavior — especially when no one is watching.
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Thought Impulse
What does “justice with mercy” look like in my life today?
Am I willing to act honestly and responsibly even when it’s inconvenient?
Whom can I see with God’s eyes today — as in need of care, as a brother or sister?
And where does my heart need to rediscover holy reverence for God?
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June 22 – 28, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 13
The Test of Faith
Read online here
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Introduction
Abraham – the father of faith. And yet, his faith wasn’t a static possession, but a journey shaped by challenges, doubts, and divine tests. In Chapter 13 of Patriarchs and Prophets, it becomes clear: true faith proves itself not in the easy times, but in the difficult ones.
God tested Abraham with a command that is almost impossible to comprehend: “Sacrifice your son, your only son, whom you love.” This story is not just an ancient tale about a man long ago – it is a mirror reflecting our own journey of faith.
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Commentary
1. The Beginning of Doubt (Hagar and Ishmael)
- Abraham accepts God’s promise – but does not wait patiently.
- Sarah’s suggestion to take Hagar as a wife is a human solution to a divine promise.
- Consequences: unrest, jealousy, brokenness in the family, mockery, and rejection.
Lesson: When we replace God’s timing with our own methods, we create conflict, not solutions.
2. God’s Promise Stands (Isaac is born)
- Despite human mistakes, God renews His promise.
- Isaac – the child of the miracle – becomes the center of the covenant.
- Ishmael and Hagar are sent away – with divine comfort, but not without pain.
Lesson: God’s plans prevail, even when we take detours. His faithfulness remains constant.
3. The Great Test – The Sacrifice of Isaac
- Abraham receives the hardest command: Sacrifice your son.
- Inner struggle, silence, prayer – no excuses, only obedience.
- Isaac shows willing obedience – he is not forced, but trusts.
- At the last moment, God intervenes: a ram is sacrificed in Isaac’s place.
Lesson:
- Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
- God tests to strengthen – not to destroy.
- Obedience is rewarded – even when we don’t understand everything.
4. God’s Covenant and Prophetic Meaning
- God confirms His covenant with Abraham through an oath.
- The ram as a substitute offering prophetically points to Christ.
- Even angels gain deeper understanding of the plan of redemption through this scene (see 1 Peter 1:10–12).
Lesson: This story is a prophetic shadow of Golgotha.
God gave what Abraham did not have to give – His only Son.
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Summary
Chapter 13 shows: Faith doesn’t mean never doubting – it means trusting despite the doubts.
Abraham’s life is a journey from impatience to surrender, from human solutions to divine obedience.
The greatest evidence of his faith was not words, but action. And in that obedience, God’s grace is revealed: He saves – through a sacrifice He Himself provides.
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Message for Us Today
God doesn’t test to destroy, but to strengthen.
True faith is shown in action, not in talk.
Obedience to God may cost sacrifice – but it is never in vain.
God’s timing is better than our own impatience.
Our trust in God often becomes most visible when we understand the least.
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Reflection Question
What would you do if God asked something “incomprehensible” of you?
Are there “Ishmaels” in your life – human solutions trying to replace God’s promises?
How is your obedience shown today – even when no one sees it?
Do you know the God who provides “a ram” for you – the solution, when you are ready to trust?
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/27-06-2025-exodus-chapter-22-believe-his-prophets/
