The incident mentioned in vs. 10-14 gave occasion for a clarification of certain civil laws, particularly as they applied to “the stranger” (see Ex. 21:12, 24, 33). God forgives sin whatever it be, but civil crimes cannot be settled on this basis. Israel was a nation as well as a church, and God gave rules for both. If one man kills another, God in mercy will forgive him, when he repents. In fact, whatever sin a man may commit, be it ever so heinous, he is still eligible for God’s abundant mercy. God knows the heart, and hence can forgive, and even forget. But if penalty were suspended whenever a man repents, every criminal would claim repentance and save himself from the gallows! If it became known that penalty was remitted upon repentance, all prisons would soon be emptied!

Some forget that though God forgives, He does not often remove the penalty for transgression. David may sin and repent; but he does not escape the result of his sin. He suffers so long as he lives. A man transgresses the rules of life, and whatever the transgression, however deeply he has sinned, God can and will forgive. But only under most unusual circumstances does the man escape the natural consequences of what he has done. He is forgiven, but usually he also suffers for his misdeeds.

 Government “is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom. 13:4). Civil law has its place.

 Therefore God’s requirement of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” is not something to be lightly disposed of as an OT ordinance. It is on this principle that government today is founded. If there were no punishment for evil, conditions would be even worse than they are now. “Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?” (Rom. 13:3).

But if there is to be punishment for evil, how shall that punishment be decided? The answer is that the punishment should fit the crime. Hence, “he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.” This seems eminently fair. This is justice and equity.