Exodus 21:15-17 Strikes, Kidnaps and Curses!

15He who strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death.

16Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.

17Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.

Context, strikes a man so that he dies...,

Exodus 21:12 NASB "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.

A child who murders a parent must receive capital punishment.

Kidnapping a human being...

“Kidnapping for slavery was common in the ancient world” (Cole), and is here clearly prohibited.

“Kidnapping is not a property offense since no property offense draws a capital punishment, and this law is not listed under property laws. Instead, it is the theft of a human being.” (Kaiser)

Curses a parent....

“Since to curse was to will and pray the downfall of the other with all one’s heart, it represented the attitude from which sprang acts like striking or murder.” (Cole)

What would society be like today if these laws were followed?

Blessings, David