The Grands Letter (Exo/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on July 29, 2025 6:04 am (CST)Dear Grands,
Exodus 22:9-14, “For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.
10 “If a man gives his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep for him, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away while no one is looking,
11 an oath before the LORD shall be made by the two of them, that he has not laid hands on his neighbor’s property; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.
12 “But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
13 “If it is all torn to pieces, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces.
14 “And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution.”
Fairness and honesty were cardinal requirements that the LORD laid upon His people.
They relate to “every breach of trust,” and He has never revised nor removed them. If differences arise between two neighbors and are without resolution, the matter is to be brought before the judges. What the judges determine will be the final resolution.
If an animal is borrowed and suffers hurt or death, and there is no witness, so that the borrower is alone with his assessment of what occurred, then an impartial judge is to hear the case, and his determination of the situation will be final.
Our system of justice today purports to follow this ancient procedure. I’m sure there were difficulties in ancient times, just as there are today. Nevertheless, the LORD in the heavens above beholds all that transpires; and it is certain that we will pay a price if we, in any way, deal unfairly with our fellow men. Remember, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3), so be careful!
Heartily yours in Christ Jesus,
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
“We will never know that Christ is all we need
Until He becomes all that we have.”
–Corrie ten Boom
