And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
If someone opens a pit or digs a pit and doesn't cover it up, and an ox or donkey falls into it,
This verse is establishing that people are responsible for creating hazards that could harm others' property or livestock.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically in the Covenant Code that outlined civil regulations for their new society. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, people frequently dug pits for water collection or storage, and neglecting to cover them could result in accidents involving valuable livestock like oxen or donkeys, which were essential for agriculture and daily life. These laws emphasized personal accountability to maintain order and protect community resources.
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