Pointing to Jesus (Exodus 21)

Summary:

Exodus 21 outlines various civil laws given by God to Moses for the Israelites, building on the Ten Commandments. 

It begins with regulations on Hebrew servants (often translated as slaves): they serve six years and are freed in the seventh, with provisions for family situations; a servant may choose permanent servitude out of love for their master, marked by an ear piercing. 

The chapter then addresses personal injuries, including capital punishment for intentional murder but asylum for accidental killings, penalties for harming pregnant women or causing miscarriages, and the principle of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” for equitable justice. 

It also covers laws on harming servants, animal-related incidents (like goring oxen), and property damages, emphasizing justice, restitution, and human dignity.

Pointing to Jesus:

The law of the bondservant in Exodus 21:5-6, where a servant voluntarily chooses lifelong service out of love and has their ear pierced, serves as a type pointing to Jesus Christ, who willingly became a servant to God the Father for the sake of His people. 

As Charles Spurgeon explained in his sermon on this passage: 

“Jesus Christ is here, in all probability, speaking of himself as being for ever, for our sakes, the willing servant of God. … He loved his spouse, the church. He loved his dear sons, his children whom he foresaw when he looked through the future ages, and he would not go out free.” 

Reflection:

Exodus 21 illustrates God’s concern for justice, mercy, and order in human relationships, revealing both the holiness of His law and humanity’s need for redemption amid brokenness like slavery and violence. For Christians, it underscores that true freedom comes not from self-autonomy but from willing service to Christ, who fulfilled the law’s demands through His perfect obedience and substitutionary death. This fosters a life of gracious justice—protecting the vulnerable, seeking restitution over vengeance, and reflecting Christ’s servant-hearted love in daily interactions, all under the new covenant where grace empowers obedience rather than mere obligation. Ten Commandments