The execution of this law only belonged to the magistrate, Matt. 5:38 . Lev. 24:20 ; Deut. 19:21 ; Matt. 5:38
Historical and theological verse study from Book of Exodus, Chapter 21.
Apply the spiritual lesson of Exodus 21:24 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of Exodus 21:24 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“oculum pro oculo, dentem pro dente, manum pro manu, pedem pro pede,”
“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”
“eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”
“eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”
“eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”
The execution of this law only belonged to the magistrate, Matt. 5:38 . Lev. 24:20 ; Deut. 19:21 ; Matt. 5:38
Eye. “This law tended to restrain, not to encourage, fury and revenge.” (St. Augustine, contra Faust. xix. 25.) Some explain it, as if a sum of money could only be required, equivalent to the ransom of an eye, in case a person should be under a necessity of losing or of redeeming it. (Muis; Jonathan) — Retaliation was not left to the injured party’s discretion. The judge was to decide. Christ enjoins what is more perfect, ordering us to turn the left cheek, when we have received a blow on the right. The canon law inflicts the punishment of retaliation upon the calumniator. (Calmet)
Verses 22-36 The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.