Restitution

The return of something lost or stolen so that the original situation is restored. This central theme of the OT law is supremely fulfilled through Jesus Christ making restitution for Adam's sin, thus restoring fellowship with God and hope of eternal life.

Reasons for restitution

For crimes committed

Exodus 22:2–3 See also Exodus 22:7, Exodus 22:16–17; Leviticus 6:1–6, Leviticus 24:17–21; Numbers 5:6–7; Ezekiel 33:14–15

If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.

For accidental loss

Exodus 22:5–6 See also Exodus 21:33–34, Exodus 22:10–15

If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard. If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution.

The basis of decisions regarding restitution

Arbitration

Exodus 22:8–9

The amount of restitution is to exceed the amount stolen

Exodus 22:1 See also Exodus 22:4; Leviticus 6:5; 2 Samuel 12:5–6; Proverbs 6:31

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.

Land should belong to its rightful owners

2 Samuel 9:7

Examples of restitution

1 Samuel 6:17 The Philistines make restitution for desecrating the ark of God; 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-Hadad makes restitution for the cities his father had taken from Israel; 2 Kings 8:1–6 The king makes restitution to the Shunammite by returning her house and land; Nehemiah 5:10–12 Nehemiah orders restitution to be made to the poor; Luke 19:8–9 Zacchaeus makes restitution to those he had cheated.

The act of restitution is to be motivated by love

Romans 13:8–10 See also Matthew 5:23–24, Matthew 5:44; Colossians 3:13–14

Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

God promises physical restitution

Isaiah 57:18, Isaiah 61:3–4; Jeremiah 30:17–18

Jesus Christ makes restitution for sin

He restores fellowship with God

Romans 5:19 See also 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:28

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

He restores the hope of eternal life

1 Corinthians 15:21–22 See also 1 Corinthians 15:45–49

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Restitution is made to Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:8–9 Here God's exaltation of Jesus Christ is seen as restitution to his position of glory. See also Isaiah 53:10–12

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,

Restitution is made to those who make sacrifices for the gospel

Matthew 19:21 parallels Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22 See also Matthew 19:29 parallels Mark 10:29–30, Luke 18:29–30; Mark 8:35 parallels Matthew 16:25, Luke 9:24; John 12:24–25; Philippians 3:8–10

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”