The Eighth Commandment- Thou Shalt Not Steal

The word 'steal' in this commandment means to 'steal away', as in secret. It can refer to a person stealing away to avoid confrontation, such as when Jacob slipped away from Laban.

And Laban said to Jacob: "What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? (Gen 31:26)

It can mean to steal away a person, as in kidnapping.

"He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.
(Exo 21:16)

"If a man is found kidnapping (lit. 'stealing away) any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and mistreats him or sells him, then that kidnapper shall die; and you shall put away the evil from among you.
(Deu 24:7)

Or, it can simply mean to steal things belonging to another. (see Gen 40:8).

Some believe that this commandment is referring to kidnapping since it is next to the commandments of murder and adultery, both of which are capital offenses. I see no reason not to accept the word as meaning to take something that doesn't belong to you. In fact, King Solomon deals with adultery and stealing back to back in one of his proverbs.

People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house. Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. (Pro 6:30-32)

It is interesting to note here, that Solomon tells us not to despise a person that steals to feed his family. He does not justify stealing under any circumstances, but calls for understanding under the circumstances.

It reminds me of God's call to humbly help one another in each other's time of need.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(Gal 6:1-2)

Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.
(Pro 30:8-9)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.