Theft, Property Damage, Deposits, and Borrowing

Stolen livestock, a thief in the night, and double repayment

A stolen ox or sheep that is killed or sold is restored fivefold for an ox, fourfold for a sheep. A thief found breaking in at night who is struck and dies: no blood is shed for him. After sunrise, bloodguilt returns; the thief makes full restitution or is sold for the theft. If the animal is found alive in his hand, he restores double.

Fields, fire, deposits, and borrowed beasts

A beast allowed to graze another man's field is repaid from the best of the offender's field and vineyard. Fire that catches thorns and consumes stacks, standing grain, or field is repaid by the one who kindled it. Goods left for safekeeping, if stolen, are repaid double by the thief if found; if not, the householder comes before the judges. Disputed lost things come before judges; the condemned pays double.

If a kept animal dies, is hurt, or is driven away unseen, an oath of the LORD is accepted and no restitution is paid. Stolen animals are repaid; torn animals, if witnessed, are not. A borrowed animal hurt or dead without the owner present is made good; if the owner is present, or if it is hired, the hire covers it.

These cases train a community to connect action, evidence, and restoration. Night-time killing of a thief is a narrow ancient rule, not a permit for later vigilantes. Sale into slavery for theft belongs to that world and is not a model to revive.