Fires and Fileds

When a man lets a field or vineyard be grazed in, then allows his animals to go and graze in someone else's field, he must repay with the best of his own field or vineyard.

When a fire gets out of control, spreads to thorn bushes, and consumes stacks of cut grain, standing grain, or a field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution for what has burned. Exodus 22:5,6

In Australia we have bush fire seasons, but unfortunately, many of the fires are started by villains, firebugs who like fire, pyromaniacs.

I wonder how many fires would actually be lit by such individuals if the knew they would be making restitution for what they burned. In many cases houses are lost, lives are lost. How do you measure such a cost and how could such a loss be paid for by the perpetrator? They would be forever a slave to pay off their debt, but then, they would be set free after six years.Would the law about taking someone else's life then kick in and the person who started the fire would end up dying?

Interesting! I wonder what judges consider when then sentence firebugs these days?

Even under Christ, grace would allow forgiveness but the crime still would deserve punishment. If I cause harm to someone or their property, I cannot expect to walk free, unless it was accidental and even then I would endeavour to make restitution. I suppose that is why I insure myself so that if I cause harm my insurance will pay. Either way, there is a cost.

Below all of this is the command of Christ: love your neighbour as yourself. Love prevents sin. If I love you I will not hurt you or steal from you. The only love that loves like this is God's love and this love can dwell in my heart, through His spirit. Amen!