The answer is: Death

Exo 21:15

In Exodus 21:15, we see a startling piece of the Mosaic Law: striking a parent equaled death—a severe mandate that speaks volumes about the value of familial respect in ancient Israel. This law was rooted in a society that emphasized honor and filial duty, showing how seriously the Israelites viewed maintaining a functional and respectful household.

Digging a bit deeper, this command fits into a broader tapestry of laws in Exodus, creating a framework for societal order. And while we might see such an edict as harsh today, it emphasizes an important cultural principle—failing to honor one's parents was seen as fracturing the very foundation of community structure. A commitment to wisdom and respect for elders continued into later scriptures when wisdom literature, like Proverbs, purely extols the virtues of honoring one's parents.

Interestingly, Jewish mysticism teaches that each commandment serves a purpose far beyond punishment; it functions to cultivate character and moral fortitude. Imagine the reverberations of a society that places parents in a position of sacred honor. To strike one’s parent was seen not just as an act of anger but a ripping apart of moral fibers that could affect their community.

For us today, phrases like “honor thy father and mother” resonate in discussions surrounding respect and conflict resolution. So, while Mosaic law might feel distant in application, its core ideas travel through history, reminding us the family unit still holds so much importance in promoting societal harmony.