If a man shall open a pit— We have had frequent occasion, in our notes on the Book of Genesis, to mention these pits which were usually dug in this country; and which, being dug in common or public ground, there was great need of caution with respect to them.
REFLECTIONS.—Note; 1. The care that God has of man's life: even the ox or bull, which kills a man, must be stoned. 2. They who are acquainted with the mischievousness of their cattle, and take not proper care of them, are looked upon as accessary to the hurt done by them. Not to restrain the evil which is in our power, is to commit it. 3. We deserve to be punished for negligence, as well as for mischief.