13 If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.
13 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn.
13 If it has been torn by wild beasts, the torn animal must be brought in as evidence; no damages have to be paid.
13 If it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall bring it as evidence, and he shall not make good what was torn.
13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the remains of the carcass must be shown as evidence, and no compensation will be required.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:13
Chapter Contents
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.