Situations of violence and bodily injury (Exodus 21: 12-26)
Violence destroys or harms
the God-given life of the community. In this passage, various situations in
which death or injury result from violent actions, both accidental and
deliberate, are specified. Retribution must be made, but it is controlled, so
avoiding later 'blood feuds'. Retribution removes any justification for later
revenge. Verses 14 and 20 state in specific terms the universal law, 'Do not
commit murder'. Verses 15 and 17 relate to the command, 'Respect your father
and mother ... ‘ In the specific context of injury to a pregnant woman
resulting in the death of the child she is bearing, the law of exact
retaliation is given. This controlled exorbitant demands for retribution.