221 'When a man doth steal an ox or sheep, and hath slaughtered it or sold it, five of the herd he doth repay for the ox, and four of the flock for the sheep. 2 'If in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he hath been smitten, and hath died, there is no blood for him; 3 if the sun hath risen upon him, blood 'is' for him, he doth certainly repay; if he have nothing, then he hath been sold for his theft; 4 if the theft is certainly found in his hand alive, whether ox, or ass, or sheep—double he repayeth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 22:1-4
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.