22:3b,4
We are now back to the thief. If someone steals something then they have to make restitution. If they are unable to do so, then the thief himself must be sold as a slave. If the thief still has the sheep or ox (as opposed to having killed it or sold it on, 22:1) then he was to pay double. This presumably means returning the beast plus an extra one.
22:5,6
We now get another rule concerning careless behaviour. First, if a man lets his animals grave over another man’s field or vineyard, then he has to pay compensation. And this compensation is to be from the best in his own field or vineyard. We are to have proper consideration for other people’s property.
This is followed by a rule concerning deliberate harm, namely starting a fire such that it causes the loss of crops. Such a man is to make full restitution.
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