Can Taking from Others Align with Commandments Against Stealing?
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 12:35 contradicts Exodus 20:15, Matthew 5:44 and Romans 13:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The story in Exodus highlights a moment when the Israelites, as they prepared to leave Egypt, were instructed by God to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver, gold, and clothes. The Egyptians, perhaps out of fear or divine influence, willingly gave these items to the Israelites, as mentioned in Exodus 12:35. This narrative is intriguing because it seems to stand in contrast to other biblical principles advocating for ethical treatment of others, even those who may not share the same beliefs or history.
Consider the commandment found in Exodus 20:15, "Thou shalt not steal." At its core, this commandment serves to promote respect for others’ property. Similarly, Romans 13:9 restates this principle, reinforcing the moral expectation that taking what is not yours is fundamentally wrong. If we use these verses as foundational ethical guidelines, the actions taken by the Israelites may appear contradictory, especially since they were receiving valuable items under direct guidance.
Moreover, in Matthew 5:44, Jesus imparts the principle of loving one’s enemies. This teaching encourages a transformative approach to hostilities and conflicts, suggesting reconciliation over retribution or exploitation. When held against the narrative in Exodus, where the Israelites are asked to take from their perceived adversaries, questions about consistency in divine instructions arise.
One might compare this to a modern analogy: Imagine if, after years of oppression, a group of employees was exiting a company. Their leader instructs them to ask for reimbursements beyond what was agreed upon. While the company might comply, it's debatable whether this aligns with mutual respect or ethical integrity, especially if other principles within the employee handbook expressly forbid such actions.
These biblical narratives challenge readers to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas, encouraging reflection on whether contextually situational actions can coexist with overarching moral principles. Can acts of taking ever be harmonized with the broader command to refrain from stealing?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 12:35 | And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: |
| 2. | Exodus 20:15 | Thou shalt not steal. |
| 3. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 4. | Romans 13:9 | For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. |