thinking bible.

You asked

how does jesus' teaching on responsibility, like the good samaritan, compare with this law?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Exodus 23:4-5

If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under its burden, you shall help him to lift it up again. Take heed that you don’t leave him alone.

This passage is part of the 'Book of the Covenant' (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of laws given to the Israelites shortly after receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. These specific verses deal with how to treat a neighbor's (even an enemy's) lost or burdened animal, laying out a practical aspect of social responsibility within the community.

What does it mean to extend practical, unasked-for help, even when there's no immediate benefit or even a personal cost?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Luke 10:29-37

    The parable of the Good Samaritan, where a Samaritan helps a Jewish man, illustrating compassion for a perceived outsider or enemy.

  • Deuteronomy 22:1-4

    Similar laws about returning lost animals and helping with a fallen animal, emphasizing care within the community.

  • Matthew 5:43-48

    Jesus' teaching to love enemies and pray for persecutors, echoing and expanding on the spirit of these laws.

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