“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
The eighth commandment says that we may not steal, and God intends this to be broadly understood. It isn’t just about theft in the general sense, but also about how we interact with our belongings and those of others. The commandment forbids any unjust use of another’s property, such as items we have found or borrowed and not returned, or cheating a buyer if you are selling.
In ancient Israel everyone had a farm. If your neighbour had an ox or a donkey to perform farm labour, you were not to steal them. (see Exodus 22:1-4). They were essential to his existence. His sheep, his goats, olives and grain were intended to support his family. God’s ban on stealing protected the community because it motivated people to be honest with each other and to avoid judging them.
The eighth commandment protects private ownership although we need to be reminded that ultimately everything belongs to God. We have the privilege of stewarding His creation. We can do that by loving and caring for the Creator and our fellow humans, and for stewarding all of creation.
Contemplate how to apply this commandment in your own life so that you do what is glorifying to God as well as what is good for your neighbour.