*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*WHOSE OX IS GORED? (4)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Exodus 21:28-30 *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.*
*But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.*
*If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
A good person's empathy will be deep for those who suffer from his carelessness. He will ask, 'Who actually suffered loss?" "Who did my ox gore?" "Who did it injure or kill?"
*Scripture Commentaries.*
How many of us would ask who was or were affected by our carelessness?
In Exd 21:30, God addresses the option of a fine with the consent of the relations of the deceased, who in such a case are willing to show mercy, and take a fine instead of their family member's death rather than a flippant wish by an owner who expects his death sentence would be commuted to monetary compensation.
Life attimes, if not all the time, is unfair.
A man's ox stabs someone with its horn, the man whose ox stabs or kills someone is not responsible for such an act. He goes free.
If the owner is found to be aware of the misbehaved animal, he will die as his beast died. He will be stoned as a beast just as the ox was stoned.
However, there is a proviso.
Exd 21:29 prescribed a death penalty if the owner knew his ox was dangerous.
Exd 21:30 says if the family of the dead person agrees to a compensation, the life of the owner will be spared. In other words, the compensation will redeem his life from death.
Where his death sentence could be commuted to a fine. He will not be stoned.
It, however, looks like the decision to accept monetary compensation may be based on either the law judge rather than the decision of the family or both.
Surely, the owner would accept the merciful alternative, but it still depends on if the family of the deceased is willing to accept the money judged as compensation or intend to press case for the ultimate death penalty.
The family's choice to accept the money would be a comfort for their loss, and they were willing to settle for this compensation rather than lose both human and financial compensation.
Pain will always be most felt by the family of the deceased.
God wants us to know that the decision to accept monetary compensation is a choice.
The family may accept or not accept (this is why Exd 21:30 starts with the word "if").
We must never live hoping to monetarily settle our ways out of the permanent injuries sustained by people due to our carelessness.
Money compensation can never take away the sad memory of a loss.
Money will vanish, but sad memories and sad songs they say says so much because every word of such sad songs make sense to those who suffer and those who share pains with them.
The money compensation offered for the life of a murdered man may not permanently appease a kinsman’s wrath.
Numbers 35:31 says *Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.*
In life, we must never act hoping to get away with the option of fine to the injured or the bereaved family.
Prevention is better than cure.
We must always be in the shoes of those who actually suffered loss either by our direct or indirect actions.
You can not understand that money compensation can not take away pain!
Apology may or may not take away pain, but the willingness to do good and ensure that people do not suffer through our carelessness and lack of care is key.
Is your attitude based on 'Whose ox is being gored?':
Your attitude should be to share pain with others and correct/amend your ways.
Live and let live as if; as long as you see yourself live well, the same you will wish others will live their life. As you accept them the way they are, so wish that they live as well as you are living.
Do not live and let die! Do not live life like anything can happen to anyone as long as it does not happen to you.
*Remorse corner.*
We must be careful in life. The law that prescribes commuting death sentence to compensation was the same law that stipulates that the only atonement to the death of any innocent human is to kill the one who killed him, Ezk 18:20, Numb 35:31.
*Call to Word action.*
Also, Numb 35:33
*So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Whether intentional or carelessly, even in today's world, people condemned to death do not have the option of fines since the death penalty is ultimate and superceeds.
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me as l care for myself, let me care for others, and be good enough to prevent hurting them, in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day.
God bless you.
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