\\INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 21\\

In this, and the two following chapters, are delivered various laws and
precepts, partly of a moral, and partly of a religious, but chiefly of
a civil nature, respecting the commonwealth of Israel, and its
political good. This chapter treats of servants, and laws relating to
them; to menservants, how long they shall serve, and what is to be
done to those who are desirous of staying with their masters after
their time is up, \\#Ex 21:1-6\\, to maidservants, and especially
betrothed ones, either to a father or a son, \\#Ex 21:7-11\\, likewise
it contains laws concerning the slaughter of men, whether with design
or unawares, \\#Ex 21:12-14\\, and concerning the ill usage of parents,
\\#Ex 21:15,17\\, and man stealing, \\#Ex 21:16\\ and of mischief that
comes by men's quarrelling and fighting, \\#Ex 21:18,19\\ and by
smiting a man or maidservant, \\#Ex 21:20,21,26,27\\, to a woman
with child, that is, by means of men's striving and contending with
each other, \\#Ex 21:22-25\\ and of damages that come by oxen, or to
them, \\#Ex 21:28-36\\.