Deuteronomy 22:5
"You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again."
Key Reflection
In ancient Israel, animals were essential for transportation and agricultural work, making their wellbeing crucial for daily life. Deuteronomy 22:5 commands a sense of communal responsibility and empathy by instructing individuals to assist fallen livestock belonging to others, highlighting the interconnectedness of community members in matters of shared care and support. This law reflects the cultural expectation that neighbors would look out for one another, even when it came to practical tasks like helping a fellow Israelite’s animals back on their feet.
More from Deuteronomy 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion
From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes