When reading Exodus 21-23 it’s clear that God wants justice to prevail, no matter what the circumstances might be in the society in which you live. Let’s do a "4S" Bible study approach of these chapters: spread, sort, structure and summarize.
First, spread out what you find in these chapters. What is described are various relational experiences people had in that society. Some of these experiences are similar to what we might experience today.
When you reflect on them they can be sorted under the following headings: Treatment of servants, personal injuries, protection of property, social responsibility and justice. Notice that in some of these descriptions and instructions there were those in positions of advantage, those who were disadvantaged, and the need for all to recognize their accountability to God.
I structured the material into the following outline. For the title: Justice before God. Then these points: 1. Responsibilities of the advantaged to promote justice 2. Protection of the disadvantaged to maintain justice 3. Accountability to the ultimate judge, God.
The advantaged need to remember that they received what they have by the grace of God. Therefore, they should not take advantage of the disadvantaged. The instructions in these chapters provide guidance for making sure that justice prevails. The disadvantaged have reason to hope for a better future, even while enduring momentary difficulties. You can be sure that ultimately God ensures justice for all in His time.
