5492 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 Ex 22:2-3 See also Ex 22:7,16-17; Lev 6:1-6; Lev 24:17-21; Nu 5:6-7; Eze 33:14-15

For accidental loss Ex 22:5-6 See also Ex 21:33-34; Ex 22:10-15

For unintentional sin Lev 5:14-16

As part of confession Nu 5:5-7

In cases of misplaced accusation Ps 69:4

The basis of decisions regarding restitution

Arbitration Ex 22:8-9

The amount of restitution is to exceed the amount stolen Ex 22:1 See also Ex 22:4; Lev 6:5; 2Sa 12:5-6; Pr 6:31

Land should belong to its rightful owners 2Sa 9:7

Examples of restitution

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

The act of restitution is to be motivated by love

Ro 13:8-10 See also Mt 5:23-24,44; Col 3:13-14

God promises physical restitution

Isa 57:18; Isa 61:3-4; Jer 30:17-18

Jesus Christ makes restitution for sin

He restores fellowship with God Ro 5:19 See also 2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28

He restores the hope of eternal life 1Co 15:21-22 See also 1Co 15:45-49

Restitution is made to Jesus Christ

Php 2:8-9 Here God’s exaltation of Jesus Christ is seen as restitution to his position of glory. See also Isa 53:10-12

Restitution is made to those who make sacrifices for the gospel

Mt 19:21 pp Mk 10:21 pp Lk 18:22 See also Mt 19:29 pp Mk 10:29-30 pp Lk 18:29-30; Mk 8:35 pp Mt 16:25 pp Lk 9:24; Jn 12:24-25; Php 3:8-10

See also