An Eye for an Eye: Mishpatim Afterthought (Exodus 21) and Jesus’ Teaching in Matthew 5
Shirah Chante a relationship coach and host on the Perfect Body Podcast, shares a Torah portion “afterthought” focused on Mishpatim (Exodus 21–24) and the phrase “an eye for an eye.” She reads Exodus 21:22–25, explaining the context as a case where men strike a pregnant woman, causing premature birth, with fines if there is no harm and “life for life, eye for eye” if harm occurs. She then connects this law to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:38–42, highlighting his teaching to not resist evil, to turn the other cheek, and to respond with generosity. She interprets Jesus’ instruction as a model of nonviolent resistance, comparing it to Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and points to Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion as an example. The episode includes an invitation to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for forgiveness and salvation, followed by a prayer asking God for understanding and practical application of the law today, and a closing encouragement to read the Torah, subscribe, share, and love God.
00:00 Welcome + What a “Torah Portion Afterthought” Is
01:24 Introducing Mishpatim: God’s Laws & “Eye for an Eye”
02:38 Why I Read Torah: Personal Testimony & Yearly Portion Study
03:59 Exodus 21:22–25 Read-Along — The Original Context of the Law
05:19 Breaking It Down: Pregnancy Injury, Fines, and “Life for Life”
07:52 Jesus on “Eye for an Eye” (Matthew 5) — Turning the Other Cheek
10:06 Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi, Dr. King, and the Example of Messiah
12:15 The Gospel Invitation: Christ’s Sacrifice & How to Be Saved
16:03 Wrap-Up, Prayer, and Final Encouragement to Study Torah
