In regard to personal injury and abuse (21:12–35) the matter of intentionality is prominent. If an individual dies as the result of a premeditated attack, the killer is to be put to death. If, on the other hand, “God lets it happen” (21:13), then there is a system to protect the slayer from those who would take revenge. This is briefly mentioned in Exodus and developed significantly in conjunction with the cities of refuge (Num. 35:6–34; Deut. 19:1–13). Dishonoring parents by physical or verbal abuse, a violation of the fifth commandment, is punishable by death. So also with stealing persons, or kidnapping (21:15–17).

The same life value is put on women and men in the category of personal injury, but slaves are treated differently than are nonslaves. Whereas injury to a free person means…