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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.
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Book Overview
Exodus
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Exodus 22:2–4
18th Century
Theologian
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…
Charles Ellicott
On Exodus 22:1–4
19th Century
Bishop
Theft is addressed here with great brevity, with only three kinds being distinguished:
- Housebreaking.
- Stealing without conver…
John Calvin
On Exodus 22:2
16th Century
Theologian
If a thief be found breaking up. This clause is to be taken separately and is inserted parenthetically. For, after having decreed the puni…
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John Gill
On Exodus 22:2
17th Century
Pastor
If a thief be found breaking up
A house, in order to steal money, jewels, household goods or breaking through any fe…
Matthew Henry
On Exodus 22:1–31
17th Century
Minister
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 …