When the Thief Has Stolen from You…

The rule requiring a thief to repay one-fifth, or 20%, more than the value of stolen property is from the Old Testament (Torah and the other 34 books of the 1st Testament) of GOD’s Ways for His people to govern their lives. It is not a rule in modern U.S. criminal law, which handles theft through fines, restitution, and other penalties. 

The 20% restitution rule is found in several the Biblical Law of the older Evidenced books, from ADONAI’s inspirations.  …for instance, Leviticus 6:1–5 outlines that if a person sins by deceiving a neighbor about property, they must return the stolen item, add one-fifth (20%) to its value, and give it back to the owner.

This directive is part of the Mosaic Law concerning guilt offerings. It applies to cases of theft, fraud, or false oaths. The offender is required to:

• Return the stolen or defrauded item in full

• Add one-fifth of its value as a penalty

• Make the payment on the day of their guilt offering, symbolizing repentance and restoration

NOTE: This principle emphasizes justice, accountability, and reconciliation in the community.

NOTE: The “guilt offering” found in Scripture was instituted for human offenders within the covenant community. It outlines restitution for tangible wrongs—stolen property, fraud, or deceit. The law assumes the offender can repent, make amends, and be restored.

If you consider some of the laws used to administrate man these days, some resemble these same approaches.

If you have not noticed, the LORD of creation is a Righteous and Holy Judge. He is always about restoration and not retaliation. Which of us could/would stand if He exacted every punishment for every misstep we’ve done?   While Leviticus 6:5 calls for human restitution… What happens when the thief is HaSatan (the Satan)?

The Biblical response is not to demand repayment from him—but to seek restoration through faith, prayer, and the power of GOD. Does that not sound like something a Holy Ruler would require?

Numbers 5:6–7 establishes a similar rule, stating that when a person sins by wrongdoing against another, they must confess, make full restitution, and add a fifth part to it.
This extra payment served as both a penalty for the wrongdoing and compensation for any additional inconvenience or harm caused. 

NOTE: Treating your neighbor well, justly and mercifully was a BIG DEAL then and still is now, in GOD’s Kingdom. He has NOT changed—unless the people are also throwing this love thing out along with the “rest of the Laws” of the Holy King.

Consider this… When someone (you and I) has lost much to the thief—Satan, who steals peace, purpose, relationships, health, or hope—GOD’s repair and renewal is not just about returning what was lost. It’s about redeeming, growing, and renovating.

Do you recall these Scriptures, among others?

1. “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten…” — Joel 2:25

2. “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion…” — Isaiah 61:7

3. “The Son of GOD appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the Satan.” — 1 John 3:8

4. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

What is it, if you and I feel like the Satan has stolen our joy, our hope and our relationships? —GOD’s desire and plan is to restore and renew yours and my life, not just back to what it was, but forward to what it was always meant to be.

Let’s reflect a little on modern U.S. law’s restitution for theft. Can you see how much differently it is handled? Our current legal system is lacking, when compared to the original requirement of love, obedience, kindness and justice.

Even the “court-ordered restitution” comes up short. As part of a criminal sentence, a court can order a thief to pay back the victim for their loss. The amount is typically equal to the value of the stolen or damaged property, not with a fixed 20% penalty.

NOTE: In Oklahoma, stealing something worth less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor, while stealing something valued at $1,000 or more is a felony. While not required, a thief voluntarily repaying the money or property can be a vindicating factor during plea negotiations or sentencing. 

No—Satan does not repay the 20%. What? I have always heard…

Why not? Leviticus 6:5 speaks to human restitution under GOD's Instruction. It takes on the thief to be someone who can repent, make amends, and be restored to the community.

Satan (not caring), by contrast (not human), is: unrepentant, outside the covenant and our adversary. Where have you ever read that his goal is reconciliation? but… While Satan doesn’t repay, GOD does—and often with interest far beyond 20%.

“I will restore to you the years the locust has eaten…” — Joel 2:25 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

GOD’s restoration is not limited to what was lost. He restores time, joy, purpose, and identity. He loves “just weights”.

Leviticus 6:4-5: These Scriptures are direct connections to what man has done to us (the tribes have done to hurt one of his countrymen or native brothers), there was a restitution for that type of mistreatment.

What happens when the thief, that is the Satan, takes stuff from us? 

GOD handles those restorations and reparations, bur on a spiritual level.  The hurt you and I feel and have felt can run rather deeply. If the pain and destruction is deeper than losing a goat, land or cattle, we need to know and understand that GOD has the ability and desire to help us through that. Maybe you can start with your own internal search. Consider looking at your life from this side of the room:

Father, I come to You weary and wounded. I’ve lost things I can’t replace—peace, joy, time, maybe even parts of myself. The enemy has stolen much, but I know You are the ONLY One Who restores. Your Word declares, “You would give beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair.” Since You said that, and I trust you, I ask You now: “please restore me. Heal what’s broken.” I realize most of what I hurt from is not stuff, but emotional and spiritual pains built up over the years. Please reclaim for me what’s been taken. Renew my spirit, revive my heart, and rebuild my life. I trust You to do more than I can imagine. In the merit and character of your Son, Yeshua (Jesus).

Maybe you can even do the following steps (acts) of faith:

1. Name the Loss you are experiencing (of has experienced)

2. Invite GOD into the pain you feel

3. Declare your own restoration, by trusting what GOD’s ability through His Word carries.

4. Forgive and release the person, people and hurt you have held captive in your bitterness, anger, resentment and fear

5. Now, let’s walk in the trust of what things GOD can accomplish in you, through His Spirit. Walk in newness of faith, if you have surrendered all of that pain and heavy stuff over to Him.

REMINDERs: (1) GOD sees every loss, (2) Restoration is not limited to human terms and (3) Justice may come at great cost to the thief, but great reward to the faithful.

FINAL REMINDER: The Satan, as the spiritual thief (John 10:10), doesn’t voluntarily repay, but GOD enforces justice on behalf of His people.