Topical Bible: The Ox: Laws Respecting: Killing a Man, to be Stoned

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In the ancient Israelite legal system, as outlined in the Mosaic Law, specific regulations were established concerning the behavior of domesticated animals, particularly the ox. These laws were designed to maintain social order and ensure justice within the community. One such regulation addressed the situation where an ox caused the death of a human being.

The primary biblical reference for this law is found in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 21:28-29 , "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten. But the owner of the ox will not be held responsible. If, however, the ox was known to gore in the past and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death."

This passage establishes a clear distinction between an unforeseen accident and negligence. If an ox, without prior history of aggression, killed a person, the animal was to be stoned, but the owner was not held liable. The stoning of the ox served as a communal act of justice, removing the dangerous animal from society and symbolically purging the community of the bloodguilt associated with the death.

However, if the ox had a known history of aggressive behavior and the owner failed to take appropriate measures to confine or control the animal, the owner bore responsibility for the resulting death. In such cases, both the ox and the owner faced capital punishment. This severe consequence underscored the importance of personal responsibility and the value of human life within the community.

The law also reflects the broader biblical principle of restitution and accountability. It emphasizes the duty of individuals to prevent foreseeable harm and the serious repercussions of negligence. The stoning of the ox, and potentially the owner, served as a deterrent, encouraging vigilance and responsibility among livestock owners.

These regulations highlight the balance between justice and mercy in the Mosaic Law. While the ox was to be stoned, the owner was spared if the incident was truly accidental, demonstrating a measure of grace. Conversely, the law demanded strict justice when negligence was involved, reflecting the high value placed on human life and the community's commitment to upholding divine standards of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 21:28-32
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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... writes that at Athens out of all the laws of [4776 ... a golden calf, and preferred an
Egyptian ox to the ... of sinners, I am to infer His wishes respecting ourselves. ...
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