Exodus 21:24 (“Eye for eye…”) is not teaching retaliation or revenge. Rather it emphasizes the justice of God. This civil law for Israel is based on God’s moral standard and moral character. The intention, effects, consequences and actions of the culprit are taken into account before judgment is meted out. This is where knowledge and wisdom must be applied correctly, considering the spirit of the law, and not just the letter of the law. The following principles are drawn from Exodus 21:18-27, and they can also be applied in the church as part of church discipline.

1.  Principle of Precise Judgment (Exod 21:18-21): In the case where the victim did not die (Exod 21:18-19), the culprit is absolved of murder, but he will have to pay for the victim’s loss of time and be responsible for the victim’s recovery. If it was a master who caused the death of his servant (Exod 21:20), the master will be punished, unless he can prove that he did not have the intention to kill his servant. If the servant did not die (Exod 21:21), the master shall not be punished, for the servant’s inability to work is itself already a loss and a punishment to the master. There is no need for additional punishment. When a sin is committed, evaluation must be done to determine if it was committed purposely or out of ignorance. The LORD considers the motive and intention of the person. This shows the precision of God’s Law. Every case is unique.

2.  Principle of Equal Proportion (Exod 21:22-25): If two men strove and, in the process, caused a pregnant woman to give birth to her baby prematurely (Exod 21:22), and the woman’s husband decided to sue the culprit, the judge will determine the punishment. Exodus 21:23 added that if the premature baby is born with some defect, then “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exod 21:24) applies. This means that the punishment must be equal in proportion to the wrong that has been done. The culprit must not be over or under punished. Due consideration, proper attention, thorough investigation and evaluation must be given to every matter of the case. Nothing is too insignificant or too trivial.

3.  Principle of Impartiality/Fair Judgment (Exod 21:26-27): Proper evaluation must be carried out whether the culprit is an Israelite master or a servant. There must not be any discrimination or partiality. Though servants are regarded as the lowest in Israel, this must not be so in the Church of God. The same Law applies to the master and the servant.

In conclusion, God’s holiness, justice and tenderness must be reflected in the judgment of any case. There must be no over or under punishment.