Moses writes rules for the people to live by. Continuing with the theme of animals, he lets them know that if one farmer allows his animals graze over another’s vineyard he’s got to give the other his vineyard in restitution. Same with starting wildfires, you have to compensate for losses. These are natural and reasonable consequences.

There are rules about borrowing, breaking and returning equipment and animals. Again, he gives easy to understand community guidelines.

Acknowledging that young men and  women get together outside of marriage, Moses writes up some rules in advance. If the father agrees they can marry, great, if not the man must still pay the bride price. There is a clear imbalance of power as the men are given most of the decisions here over women’s lives.

That being said, Moses warns the people to not take financial or material advantage of widows, orphans, immigrants or servants. He reminds them of their time of servitude. He warns them that God will hear and act on behalf of the weak. He has the power to make their wives and children widows and orphans. This is radical equality. Circumstances can pivot, so treat people with the dignity you’d want in their position. 

He warns the people against sorcery, hookups with animals or sacrifices to other gods. What will differentiate this people group is less about race or costume, but more about worship and behavior. 

God wants the first fruits dedicated to him of crops, herds and first born children. Also he doesn’t want them eating roadkill, calling it unclean. There is a respect and responsibility built into their identity. He wants them to live fair and clean lives dedicated to God.