Exodus 21:23

Life for life. This seemingly excessive penalty for an injury that was largely accidental and with no intention of taking life, was probably the reflection of an old law like that of the “avenger of blood” (see on v. 13). It must be remembered that there were certain provisions in these laws that Moses tolerated, such as the “bill of divorcement,” because of the “hardness” of their “hearts” (Deut. 24:1-4; Matt. 19:3-8). It is also to be kept in mind that some of these Mosaic enactments were not absolutely best from the divine viewpoint, but were imperfect (Ex. 20:25; Ps. 81:12). They were relatively the best that God’s people, at that time and in their state of moral and spiritual development, would receive and obey (see on v. 1).