Beth-El Baptist Church

07/13/2007

Greg Tomlinson


Why are there differing restitution values for stealing?


The scriptures identify the need for restitution or repayment for things stolen. The amount to be restored varies depending on what was stolen and the circumstances surrounding what was stolen.


  1. Where can we find the laws of restitution?

Exodus 21:22-36; 22:1-15 Proverbs 6:30-31


The normal restitution for stealing anything is to repay double. This would mean the return of the stolen object plus one of like value. There are some special circumstances in which the restitution is different than the standard of double. Circumstances include what happened after stealing it (selling it or killing it), the reason for stealing (hunger), accidental damage (fight, ox goring)


  1. Why is there a difference between the restitution of sold ox or sheep?

Exodus 22:1 Job 22:13-15

Ezekiel 8:11-18; 9:9-10 1 Samuel 16:7

Job 11:10-11 John 14:17; 19:10-11

Proverbs 1:11-14


The brazenness that it takes to steal an ox is much greater. It will generally take more planning and more people to successfully pull it off. The thought is that it the perpetrator clearly does not think that anyone will see nor will anyone be able to do anything, they have forgotten that God sees and he examines the entirety of the situation. It is like someone at a grocery store. What is the different effort and boldness required between stealing a candy bar and stealing a 25 pound turkey. Clearly one takes more effort and more boldness than the other.


  1. Why is stealing when hungry met with such a heavy fine?

Proverbs 6:30-31; 13:13; 14:21; 26:24-27; 30:7-9

1 Corinthians 15:32-34 Leviticus 26:18-29; 25:39-40

CONTEXT: Proverbs 6:23-35 1 Corinthians 6:18-20


There are a couple of issues here. There is idea that stealing to satisfy hunger will often lead to a continual sinning against God. The thief has opened a door to further denigrating himself before the presence of God. Sin leads to more sin. The primary issue in this passage is not so much the stealing but the adultery. While stealing to satisfy hunger will often be overlooked (not despised), yet he is still guilty before God for violating the very law of God. He is to be punished, even to the point of having to enter into a form of enslavement to another. The man would be sold and the proceeds most likely given to the one stolen from. Regardless restitution is expected to be paid. The comparison though is done with regard to adultery. The sin of adultery is a much graver offense then stealing for the sake of hunger that it makes it clear that though someone cannot get by with stealing because he is hungry, all the more the deserved punishment is for the adulterer.


  1. Why would the standard restitution for stealing be double?

Isaiah 40:1-3; 67:6-7 Jeremiah 16:15-18; 17:18

John 10:17-18 Hebrews 9:11-15

Isaiah 53:4-6 Ezekiel 33:10-12

Philippians 3:8-10 Revelation 18:1-8


This is a reminder that stealing is not acceptable before God. The real power and awe in this situation is that it is God, through Jesus Christ that pays the restitution fee. It is Jesus Christ who is our Lord and savior that purchases us until Himself. The debt is not only paid but it is 'doubly' paid by Jesus. Since our debt is now paid, we need to pursue our life with a focused zeal upon God.


Summary:


The various restitution fees are associated with the type of crime being executed. The more brazen the crime, the less regard the individual has for God and for others. Thus the tiered penalties for stealing. The ultimate in stealing, that from the character of God, is identified as being paid 'double' although the stealing from God's person hood is the most grievous offense the restitution is only identified as double, but it is paid not by man, who stole, but by God who was stolen from. The value and worth of Jesus is well beyond the value of our punishment against God but it was offered willingly and purposefully in order to redeem a people unto himself.