Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

THEFT

The felonious appropriation of another’s property. When accompanied by violence or the threat thereof, theft is normally designated “robbery.” In the biblical legal codes, the punishment stipulated for theft is restitution with compensation (Exod. 22:1-4[MT 1b-5]; Lev. 6:1-7[5:20-26]). The command against stealing in the Decalogue (Exod. 20:15; Deut. 5:19) has been understood as referring first to kidnapping, the seizure of persons. In a society in which slavery was practiced, the abduction of persons would of course be addressed in legal codes. Capital punishment is prescribed for the crime of kidnapping (Exod. 21:16; Deut. 24:7). It is likely, however, that the Decalogue command against theft also extended beyond kidnapping. The legal codes address property damage (Exod. 22:5-6[4-5]), dishonest business practices (Lev. 19:35-36; Deut. 25:13-16), and even negligence to prevent another’s property from suffering damage (Exod. 23:4-5; Deut. 22:1-4). Interest on loans was prohibited (Exod. 22:25[24]; Deut. 23:19-20; Lev. 25:35-38), and the practice of pledges was regulated (Exod. 22:26-27[25-26]; Deut. 24:6, 10-13). The periodic cancellation of debts (Deut. 15:1-3) and release of slaves (Exod. 21:2-6; Deut. 15:12-18; Lev. 25:39-55) was legislated. It was stipulated that fair wages be paid without deferral to poor laborers (Deut. 24:14-15; Lev. 19:13).

The concern for just and regulated property dealings was taken up by the prophets. The designations “theft” and “robbery” are employed for economic oppression (e.g., Isa. 10:2; Jer. 21:12; Ezek. 18:7). There is the recurring protest against illegal territorial expansion (Jer. 22:13-14; Hab. 2:9; cf. Job 24:2-12; Matt. 23:14). In the postexilic era, Nehemiah made efforts to curtail such economic oppression (cf. Neh. 5). The Wisdom writings continue the prophetic critiques of economic oppression (Prov. 22:22-23; Sir. 4:1-6; 7:3, 20). The NT assumes a similar stance (Luke 3:14; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:6; Jas. 5:4-6).

Finally, the Bible speaks of the reality of stealing people’s hearts through deceit and demagoguery (Gen. 31:20, 26; 2 Sam. 15:6).

Bibliography. R. Gnuse, You Shall Not Steal: Community and Property in the Biblical Tradition (Maryknoll, 1985).

Gerald M. Bilkes

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

THEFT

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)