Exodus 22:13 deals with the responsibility of someone who is hired to watch over livestock (a shepherd or keeper). Let's break down what the verse means:
"If it is torn in pieces...": This refers to a situation where an animal under the shepherd's care has been killed by wild animals (torn by beasts).
"...let him bring it for evidence...": If the animal was indeed killed by wild animals, the shepherd is required to bring proof of the cause of death. This proof would likely be remnants of the carcass (perhaps the torn parts) that clearly indicate an attack by a wild animal.
"He shall not make good that which was torn.": If the shepherd can provide the evidence that the animal was killed by a wild beast, they are not responsible for replacing the animal or compensating the owner for the loss. This is because the loss was due to an unavoidable event (an act of nature), not due to negligence or theft by the shepherd.
In essence, this verse is about protecting hired shepherds from unfair financial burdens when they have taken reasonable care of the animals entrusted to them, and the loss was due to an uncontrollable event like a wild animal attack. However, they must prove that the loss was indeed caused by wild animals to avoid being held liable. It incentivizes honesty and provides a system to distinguish between accidental loss and negligent or malicious actions.
Exodus 22:13 deals with the responsibility of someone who is hired to watch over livestock (a shepherd or keeper). Let's break down what the verse means:
"If it is torn in pieces...": This refers to a situation where an animal under the shepherd's care has been killed by wild animals (torn by beasts).
"...let him bring it for evidence...": If the animal was indeed killed by wild animals, the shepherd is required to bring proof of the cause of death. This proof would likely be remnants of the carcass (perhaps the torn parts) that clearly indicate an attack by a wild animal.
"He shall not make good that which was torn.": If the shepherd can provide the evidence that the animal was killed by a wild beast, they are not responsible for replacing the animal or compensating the owner for the loss. This is because the loss was due to an unavoidable event (an act of nature), not due to negligence or theft by the shepherd.
In essence, this verse is about protecting hired shepherds from unfair financial burdens when they have taken reasonable care of the animals entrusted to them, and the loss was due to an uncontrollable event like a wild animal attack. However, they must prove that the loss was indeed caused by wild animals to avoid being held liable. It incentivizes honesty and provides a system to distinguish between accidental loss and negligent or malicious actions.