Exodus 22:13 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Let him bring it; it, i.e. some part of the torn creature, which the wild beast haply had left, Amos 3:11,12. Quest. What if the whole creature were carried away, as a sheep or lamb is sometimes by the wolf? Answ.

1. I suppose this was not frequent, and that those ravenous creatures did speedily fall to their meal, and that something was left not far from the place, which the shepherd might easily procure.

2. The words may Be otherwise rendered, he shall bring a witness, as the Chaldee and Samaritan render it; or a testimony, i.e. some evidence whereby the judge might be satisfied; as for instance, that some wolf or lion, &c. was seen in those parts, &c., or some witness of his diligence and Faithfulness in all other things, which therefore might well be presumed in this.

Exodus 22:13

13 If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.