In the context of the Old Testament, the term "bullock" refers to a young bull, often used in various sacrificial rites and offerings as prescribed by Mosaic Law. The laws concerning trespass by a bullock are part of the broader legal and moral framework given to the Israelites, which aimed to maintain justice, order, and holiness within the community.

Trespass by a Bullock:

The Mosaic Law provides specific instructions regarding the responsibility and restitution required when an individual's bullock causes harm or damage. These laws are primarily found in the Book of Exodus, which outlines the principles of liability and compensation.

1. Liability for Damage:
· If a bullock gores a man or woman to death, the bullock is to be stoned, and its flesh must not be eaten. The owner of the bullock, however, is not held liable unless the bullock was known to be dangerous. Exodus 21:28 states, "If an ox gores a man or a 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."

2. Owner's Responsibility:
· If the bullock was known to have a habit of goring and the owner did not keep it confined, the owner is held responsible. In such cases, the owner must pay a ransom for his life or face the death penalty. Exodus 21:29-30 explains, "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 a woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him."

3. Compensation for Servants:
· If a bullock gores a male or female servant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the servant, and the bullock must be stoned. This is detailed in Exodus 21:32: "If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that slave, and the ox must be stoned."

4. Restitution for Property Damage:
· In cases where a bullock causes damage to another person's property, such as another bullock, the law requires equitable restitution. If one bullock injures another, resulting in death, the live bullock is to be sold, and the proceeds, along with the dead animal, are to be divided between the two owners. Exodus 21:35-36 provides guidance: "If one man’s ox injures another’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live ox and divide the proceeds; they also must 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."

These laws reflect the importance of personal responsibility and the value of life and property within the Israelite community. They emphasize the need for vigilance and accountability, ensuring that individuals take necessary precautions to prevent harm and make amends when their negligence results in damage or loss. The principles laid out in these laws continue to inform discussions on liability and justice in various cultural and legal contexts.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

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws
thereof.'"Ezekiel ... because it was it in which they boiled the trespass-offerings, ...
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Christ a Complete Saviour:
... he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle ... of himself, or whatever others
may think concerning him, he ... us, as we forgive them that trespass against us. ...
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Saved by Grace;
... was a great sinner, and for the trespass which he ... yet God said concerning thee, Let
him live, for he ... world is terror, fear, power, majesty, laws, jails, gibbets ...
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