If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
If someone gives their neighbor a donkey, ox, sheep, or any animal to take care of, and the animal dies, gets injured, or is stolen while no one is watching:
This verse begins a law about what happens when someone is caring for another person's animals and something goes wrong without any witnesses present.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, livestock such as donkeys, oxen, and sheep were essential for survival, work, and economic stability, so the Mosaic Law included rules to handle disputes over animals entrusted to others. This verse from Exodus addresses scenarios where an animal might die, be injured, or go missing without witnesses, ensuring fair treatment and accountability in a community where personal property was a key aspect of daily life. These laws helped maintain social order and trust among neighbors in a nomadic and agrarian society.
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