EXODUS CHAPTER 22 Of theft, Exodus 22:1-4. Of eating another man's vineyard, Exodus 2:5 Of hurt coming by fire, Exodus 22:6. Of hurt coming to goods committed to one's trust, Exodus 22:7-13. Of hurt befalling things borrowed, Exodus 22:14,15. Of committing adultery, Exodus 22:16,17. Of witchcraft, Exodus 22:18. Of uncleanness with beasts, Exodus 22:19. Of idolatry, Exodus 22:20. That none shall hurt strangers or widows, Exodus 22:21-24. Of unsury, Exodus 22:25. Of pawning clothes, Exodus 22:26,27. Of honouring magistrates, Exodus 22:28. Of the first-fruits, Exodus 22:29. Of eating flesh torn by beasts, Exodus 22:31. An ox, or a sheep; or, an ass, which is added Exodus 22:4, and consequently any other living creature, to be valued according to its worth and use to man, proportionably to the rule here laid down. Only these are instanced in for their usefulness in the service both of God and men. Or sell it, which was an aggravation of the crime, and a token of greater boldness, resolvedness, and expertness in the trade of thieving, than was in him who kept it at home, Exodus 22:4. Four sheep for a sheep. Quest.
1. Why so much, seeing the stealer of other things was tied to restore but double? Answ.
1. For terror, because these beasts being kept in the fields might more easily be stolen.
2. Because the loss of these was greater than of other things; for they did not only lose what the cattle might be sold for, but all the service, increase, and other benefits which a man might receive from them. Quest.
2. Why more for oxen than for sheep? Answ.
1. Because it argued greater boldness and customariness in the thief to steal that which might more easily be discovered.
2. Because besides the intrinsical worth of the ox, the labour of the ox was very considerable to his owner, Proverbs 14:4, and therefore the loss greater.