Exodus 21:31 meaning
The regulations found in the Old Testament often reflect God's intent to establish justice and accountability within the community. In the case of an ox goring someone, the verse addresses the principle of responsibility—specifically that the owner must be held accountable for the actions of their animal. This represents the moral obligation to prevent harm through proper care and oversight. If the ox's behavior was known to be aggressive and the owner failed to act, they faced severe consequences, including the death of the ox and potential punishment for themselves, illustrating a robust understanding of justice and the safeguarding of life.
The specific judgments laid out in this scripture thus highlight the seriousness with which God views personal responsibility and the protection of both human and animal life. Just as the laws were crafted to deter negligence, they also underscore the value of each life, reflecting a broader theological perspective of human dignity rooted in divine creation.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:28-36 meaning. This passage is concerned with other things that could cause injury to a person and their livelihood. A violent ox, the loss of livestock by negligence, or one ox killing another.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 38:21-31 meaning. Moses recounted the amount of material that was used to build the tabernacle. The emphasis here is on the amount of precious metals used to make the items for the tabernacle and in the tabernacle.
- Exodus 4:18-31 meaning. All of Moses’ objections have now been answered, and he was convinced that the LORD would be with him as he goes back to Egypt. But there was another confrontation between the LORD and Moses concerning his son not being circumcised. Once that issue was resolved, Moses and Aaron could return to Egypt and speak to the leaders of Israel in Egypt, persuading them through Aaron's words and Moses' miraculous signs. There are four sections to this passage:
- Exodus 26:31-35 meaning. Now that the structure of the tabernacle has been specified, the next item discussed is the veil that separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. Both the veil and its supports are described. After the veil was hung, the ark and the mercy seat were to be put in the Holy of Holies, separating them from the other part of the tabernacle. Other furniture was to be located in specific places in the tabernacle.
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