Topical Bible: Trespass of an Ox

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Trespass of an Ox" is rooted in the legal and moral codes found within the Old Testament, particularly in the Mosaic Law. This topic is primarily addressed in the Book of Exodus, which provides guidelines for the Israelites on how to handle situations where an ox causes damage or harm.

Biblical References:

The primary scriptural reference for the trespass of an ox is found in Exodus 21:28-36. This passage outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of an ox owner when their animal causes harm or damage. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these laws:

· Exodus 21:28-29 : "If an ox gores a man or 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. But if the ox has a reputation for goring and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death."

· Exodus 21:35-36 : "If one man’s ox injures another’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they must also divide the dead animal. But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner did not restrain it, he must pay full compensation—ox for ox—and the dead animal will be his."

Legal and Moral Implications:

The laws concerning the trespass of an ox reflect the broader principles of justice, responsibility, and restitution that are central to the Mosaic Law. These laws emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the need to prevent harm to others. The owner of an ox is expected to be aware of the behavior of their animal and to take appropriate measures to prevent it from causing harm.

1. Responsibility and Accountability: The law distinguishes between an accidental incident and one where the owner is negligent. If an ox with no history of aggression gores someone, the owner is not held liable. However, if the ox is known to be dangerous and the owner fails to restrain it, the owner is held accountable, even to the point of facing the death penalty.

2. Restitution and Fairness: In cases where an ox injures another ox, the law provides a fair method of restitution. The live ox is sold, and the proceeds are divided, ensuring that both parties share the loss. If negligence is involved, the negligent owner must compensate fully, reflecting the principle of justice and fairness.

3. Community and Social Order: These laws served to maintain social order and community harmony. By providing clear guidelines for handling such disputes, the law helped prevent ongoing conflicts and ensured that justice was served in a manner that was equitable and transparent.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the laws regarding the trespass of an ox underscore the sanctity of life and the importance of living in a way that respects and protects others. The severe consequences for negligence highlight the value placed on human life and the moral duty to prevent harm. These laws also reflect God's desire for His people to live in a community where justice and righteousness prevail, serving as a reflection of His character.

In summary, the trespass of an ox in biblical law is a vivid example of the practical application of divine principles of justice, responsibility, and community living. These laws provided a framework for the Israelites to navigate complex social interactions while upholding the values of their covenant relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 21:28-36
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... As, therefore, the ox that labours in the threshing-floor without a muzzle eats ... gifts,
and out of all the sacrifices, and out of every trespass-offering, and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

The Ten Commandments of God.
... wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle [ox, nor his ass ... 5.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the ten commandments of god.htm

Nor Should I Think it Needful to Discuss Whether God Pursues a ...
... wit, which clothed with sacredness, among the other animals, a certain ox likewise. ...
God, solemnly marked both the commencement and the deserts of the trespass. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter iii nor should i.htm

The History of Saul
... Amalek and that he should slay and destroy man, woman, and child, ox, cow, camel
and ... to their request, but I pray thee to bear my sin and trespass and return ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Presumptuous Sins
... he knowingly and willingly trespasses, then he is guilty of a presumptuous trespass,
and is ... sodden in sin, ye that drink it down as the greedy ox drinketh down ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/presumptuous sins.htm

The Anglican Catechism. AD 1549, 1662.
... covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ... And
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that [817] trespass against us. ...
/.../the anglican catechism a d 1549.htm

The Spies
... "Ah!" says the old Christian, "the black ox has not ... the most holy men have still
to say, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the spies.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... thy brother." And again, [4224] "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his ... among
the baggage, Jacob answered and said to Laban, [4231] "What is my trespass? ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

In Him: Like Him
... The mouth of a lion, the eye of an ox, the feathers of a bird"these ... pews, hearing
the gospel." I do not care; you must forgive them that trespass against you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... But will it not be counted a trespass against the Lord of the city, whither we are ...
Then they showed him the ox's goad wherewith Shamgar slew six hundred men. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm