Exodus 23:4
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that even an enemy's lost property deserves your care, highlighting a profound call to active kindness that transcends personal animosity. This instruction anticipates Jesus' teaching on loving enemies, showing that ancient Israelite law already contained seeds of this radical compassion, expecting benevolence even when it's inconvenient.
This passage is part of a longer section of laws regulating civil life and justice. It follows instructions about not spreading false reports or testifying falsely, and immediately precedes commands related to fair legal proceedings and not showing favoritism. The placement of this seemingly simple command to help an enemy's lost animal interrupts the flow, highlighting that even personal relationships, including animosity, are to be governed by ethical principles that extend beyond mere legal obligation.
We all have people who rub us the wrong way, maybe even people we'd call enemies. What does God's ancient law say about how we should treat them when their stuff goes missing?
In a world where 'an eye for an eye' often feels like the only option, especially when dealing with someone who has wronged us, Exodus 23:4 presents a revolutionary idea. It instructs the Israelites, 'If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.'
A Higher Standard
This wasn't just about preventing property loss; it was a radical call to a higher moral standard. While other ancient cultures might have focused on self-preservation or even retribution, this law demanded an act of kindness toward someone who might be actively hostile.
The Heart of the Matter
The commentators note that this isn't about excusing or ignoring wrongs, but about a deliberate choice not to let prejudice or past hurts dictate our actions. It's about showing a principle of friendliness, even to those who don't extend it to you, thereby honoring God and potentially fostering peace.
Why focus on an ox or a donkey? What can these simple animals teach us about God's expectations for His people?
The choice of an 'ox or a donkey' isn't arbitrary; these were essential, valuable possessions for ancient Israelites. Losing one could be a significant hardship. The law grounds this profound ethical principle in everyday, practical reality.
God's Heart for Order
By commanding the return of lost property, even to an enemy, the law reflects God's own character. God is a God of order, not chaos. He cares about the well-being of all His creation and expects His people to reflect that care.
Building a Different Society
This wasn't just about individual encounters; it was about shaping a community. A society where people, even enemies, acted with such integrity and unexpected kindness would stand out. It would be a powerful testimony to the God they served, a God who desires justice and compassion to flow freely, not just among friends, but even across lines of conflict.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
A person who acts out of hostility or animosity toward another. The Bible commands believers to show care and responsibility even toward those who hold them in enmity, reflecting the nature of God's common grace.
This parable of the Good Samaritan shows a radical act of kindness extended to a stranger, even an enemy, highlighting the spirit of selfless love and compassion that goes beyond normal obligations.
Matthew 5:43-48Jesus directly expands on this principle, commanding his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, showing how this Old Testament command points to a higher standard of active benevolence.
Proverbs 25:21-22This proverb echoes the sentiment of Exodus 23:4, teaching that showing kindness to an enemy can lead to positive outcomes, potentially shaming them and bringing about reconciliation through benevolent action.
Deuteronomy 22:1-4This passage reiterates the importance of returning lost property, including the animals of an enemy, showing that this was a consistent principle within Mosaic law, emphasizing responsibility and care even for those with whom one is in conflict.
pulpitExodus 23:4: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again."
Verse 4. - Thine enemy's ox. A private enemy is here spoken of, not a public one, as in Deuteronomy 23:6. It is remarkable that the law should have so far anticipated Christianity as to have laid it down that men have duties of friendliness even towards their enemies, and are bound under certain circumstances to render them a service. "Hate thine enemies" (Matthew 5:43) was no inj…
clarkeExodus 23:4: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again."
If thou meet thine enemy's ox - going astray - From the humane and heavenly maxim in this and the following verse, our blessed Lord has formed the following precept: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44 . A precept so plain, wise, benevolent, and useful, can recei…
The verse emphasizes that even an enemy's lost property deserves your care, highlighting a profound call to active kindness that transcends personal animosity. This instruction anticipates Jesus' teaching on loving enemies, showing that ancient Israelite law already contained seeds of this radical compassion, expecting benevolence even when it's inconvenient.
This passage is part of a longer section of laws regulating civil life and justice. It follows instructions about not spreading false reports or testifying falsely, and immediately precedes commands related to fair legal proceedings and not showing favoritism. The placement of this seemingly simple command to help an enemy's lost animal interrupts the flow, highlighting that even personal relationships, including animosity, are to be governed by ethical principles that extend beyond mere legal obligation.
This passage is part of a longer section of laws regulating civil life and justice. It follows instructions about not spreading false reports or testifying falsely, and immediately precedes commands related to fair legal proceedings and not showing favoritism. The placement of this seemingly simple command to help an enemy's lost animal interrupts the flow, highlighting that even personal relationships, including animosity, are to be governed by ethical principles that extend beyond mere legal obligation.
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"“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him." — The verse emphasizes that even an enemy's lost property deserves your care, highlighting a profound call to active kindness that transcends personal animosity. This instruction anticipates Jesus' tea…
