Exodus 22:20

"“Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death."

Key Reflection

This law in Exodus 22:20 uses animal sexual behavior as a metaphor for acts of idolatry and spiritual adultery, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God's covenant. The penalty underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and loyalty to Yahweh alone.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

This was probably an old formula, the sense of which, on its ethical side, is comprised in the first and second commandments. Shall be utterly destroyed -The Hebrew word here used isחרםchâram(i. e. devoted). SeeLeviticus 27:28.

More from Exodus 22

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