God's Regard for the Safety of Man and Beast
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…


I. GOD CARES FOR THE SAFETY OF MAN.

1. If an ox injured a man for the first time, the life of the ox only was forfeited (ver. 28). But —

2. If the owner of the ox, acquainted with the proved vicious character of his beast, neglected to put him under restraint, and the ox killed his victim — as culpably negligent, —

(1)  the owner was put to death; or —

(2)  his life commuted for a fine.

II. GOD CARES FOR THE SAFETY OF THE BEAST. Other Scriptures demonstrate this (Matthew 6:26, etc.).

III. PROVISION FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS SHOULD BE MADE.

1. This provision should be made promptly.

2. This provision should be permanent.

Application:

1. Beware of injuring your neighbour's soul by an unguarded inconsistency.

2. Beware of injuring your neighbour's friendship by any unguarded passion.

3. Beware of injuring your neighbour's character by any unguarded word.

4. Beware of injuring your neighbour's peace by any unguarded look or action.

5. In all matters concerning your neighbour, remember that "Whatsoever ye would," etc.

(J. W. Burn.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: 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.

WEB: "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible.




A Needful Warning
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