The penalties for breaking any of the laws and ordinances given out, by God, in Exodus and Matthew, two chapters of the bible, are simply too harsh for the average citizen who have committed crimes that aren't "too severe." After reading the passages in the mentioned chapters, it is clear to see that similarities do exist between the laws, although readers may fail to notice this if they do not pay very close attention to the readings. By focusing on certain passages in Exodus, it became easy to narrow down exactly which parts of it are reflected in Matthew, which further exemplifies how the penalties are overly severe. The issue of the harshness of the laws can be noticed in two passages; one entitled "The Law concerning violence," and the other entitled "Concerning anger." The first deals with the instances of someone committing a violent act against another individual, and the severe consequences they"ll face if they did choose to act in such a manner. The other deals with no one committing murder. Another issue brought in the two chapters of the bible is that to do with adultery. All of these issues make up God's commands to the people. .
The passage "The Law concerning violence," in chapter 21 of Exodus, most clearly shows that the penalties God established as punishments for people's crimes are too harsh. These laws state what constitutes a crime and what will happen if they are broken. "Whoever strikes a person mortally shall be put to death. Whoever strikes father or mother shall be put to death. Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession, shall be put to death. Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death," (Exodus, 21:12-17). If any of these laws are broken, the immediate punishment is, as mentioned, death. There is no mention of any other penalty that is lesser in degree than the death sentence. I find that to be unjust and unfair, to a certain extent.