Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
Exodus 21
shall plainly say. Hebrew "saying shall say". Figure of speech Polyptoton (App-6) for emphasis. See note on Genesis 26:28
children = sons.
the judges. See note on 22. e.
bore his ear. Hence a symbol of obedience an perpetual servitude. Compare Psalms 40:6. Isaiah 48:8; Isaiah 50:5 and see note on Hebrews 10:5.
for ever. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Whole). App-6. A time put for limited time; "for life", or till the jubilee, Leviticus 25:13, Leviticus 25:28, Leviticus 25:40, Leviticus 25:41.
God Hebrew. Elohim. deliver. Hebrew idiom, b which God is said to do what He allows to be done. deliver. Hebrew permit him to meet, or come.
guile . . . thou. Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6); between these two words, supply: "and then seek refuge t Mine altar".
smiteth. Here and elsewhere in this chapter (except Exodus 21:26), to smite to death, or seriously.
men. Hebrew, plural of "ish, or"enesh. See App-14. one. Hebrew. "ish. App-14. another his neighbor.
child . . . so. Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6); supply "who intervenes".
punished = amerced, or fined. The laws of Khammurabi distinguished between three classes (
Eye for eye, &c. Lex talionis, eight particulars for completeness (App-10), seven in separate category (verses: Exodus 21:24, Exodus 21:26). These laws made prisons unnecessary, and prevented crime.
go free. By Code of Khammurabi, the master was compensated, 199 (see App-15). Compare Deuteronomy 4:8.
ransom. Implying that death-penalties were in certain cases commutable. Compare Exodus 30:12 and Psalms 49:8. Psalms 49:32 shekels. See App-51.
Comments