The Ten Commandments represent the over arching concepts and philosophies under which Hebrew law was to sit. Yet God in his mercy knew that the application of the law was more difficult than the mental ascent to them. Everyone understands what the concept of “Do not steal” means, but not everyone understands how that rule applies in each situation. This passage gives us some common situations to the daily living of the Hebrew people. These were things Moses would’ve known well. After all, he was a practiced judge, having been the arbiter of enough disputes to appoint deputies. What is clear is that the court of the Hebrews would be equitable and fair. It would prize honesty and equal measures above everything and that it would sit under the authority of God. It was a novel concept that allowed for people to have a modicum of self government as they no longer had to exact justice and their authority was no longer dependent upon what power they had over their neighbor. Here they could live and let live, instead of live and let die. It is clear that this is God’s way. He wishes for people to govern themselves, regardless of gender, age, or even creed, by a clear philosophy: that all stand equal before God. Ironically, this type of governing, leads to less government. Though application has been imperfect, this is the foundation of American justice, and why it is often called Christian in origin.