Five oxen; because they are of greater value than sheep. (Theodoret) — As these things may easily be stolen, a heavier fine is imposed than on those who steal money. The Scythians punish theft with the utmost severity. (Grotius) — All these punishments, till the 25th chapter, were inflicted by the judge. (Tirinus)
Either [a] great beast of the herd, or a small beast of the flock. Cross references: : 2 Sam. 12:6
Judicial laws.
Either [a] great beast of the herd, or a small beast of the flock. Cross references: : 2 Sam. 12:6
The laws of this chapter relate, I. To the eighth commandment, concerning theft (ver 1-4), trespass by cattle (ver 5), damage by fire (ver 6), trusts (ver 7-13), borrowing cattle (ver 14, 15), or money, ver 25-27. II. To the seventh commandment. Against fornication (ver 16, 17), bestiality, ver 19. III. To the first table, forbidding witchcraft (ver 18), idolatry, ver 20. Commanding to offer the firstfruits, ver 29, 30. IV. To the poor, ver 21-24. V. To the civil government, ver 28. VI. To the peculiarity of the Jewish nation, ver 31.
Blood. The reason is, because it could not easily be known whether the thief had not a design upon the life of the people in the house; and therefore, the law gave them authority to defend themselves. But they were not authorized to kill the thief designedly. The laws of Athens and of Rome, permitted nocturnal robbers to be slain, at least when they came armed. (Plato, de leg. ix. &c.) To defend our goods or honour, by killing the aggressor, is contrary to justice and reason. (Calmet)
- The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, ( Titus 2:12 ) . And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.
1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double. 5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. 6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.