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.
If someone steals an ox or a sheep and then kills it or sells it, they must pay back five oxen for each ox stolen, and four sheep for each sheep stolen.
This verse establishes that stealing livestock requires paying back much more than what was taken - showing that theft has serious consequences.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite society, as described in the Book of Exodus, God was giving laws to Moses on Mount Sinai to establish a just and orderly community after the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. These laws addressed everyday issues like property rights and theft, reflecting the importance of protecting livelihoods in an agrarian culture where livestock was crucial for survival and work. Specifically, this verse outlines a system of restitution to deter crime and maintain social harmony.
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