Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.
Verse Takeaways
1
Justifiable Self-Defense
Commentators unanimously explain that this law permits a homeowner to use lethal force against a thief breaking in at night without incurring guilt. Scholars like Barnes and Gill highlight that the darkness, the inability to identify the threat, and the reasonable assumption of murderous intent from the intruder made this act justifiable self-defense, not murder.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Exodus
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
6
18th Century
Presbyterian
If a thief, breaking into a dwelling at night, was killed, the person who killed him did not incur bloodguilt; but if the same occurred in daylight…
19th Century
Anglican
Theft is addressed here with great brevity, with only three kinds being distinguished:
16th Century
Protestant
If a thief be found breaking up. This clause is to be taken separately and is inserted parenthetically. For, after having decreed the puni…
Your support helps us maintain this resource for everyone
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
If a thief be found breaking up A house, in order to steal money, jewels, household goods or breaking through any fe…
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what …
