When individuals quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist so that the injured party, though not dead, is confined to bed, but recovers and walks around outside with the help of a staff, then the assailant shall be free of liability, except to pay for the loss of time, and to arrange for full recovery.
On one level, this is part of the obscure legislation seen so often in the latter part of Exodus and in Leviticus. And, that's true.
It is also true there is more here.
The whole section from which this comes contains laws protecting human beings. The underlying assumption is human life is valuable. It reminds us, in these fractious times, the ideal is for members of the Community of God not to quarrel and fight. It also, however, dispenses with "cheap justice," and affirms persons must be responsible for their actions.
This is important to remember as we walk toward Jerusalem together.
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