Deuteronomy 22:1
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
«لَا يَنْبَغِي أنْ تَرَى ثَورَ صَاحِبَكَ أوْ خَرُوفَهُ ضَالًّا وَتَتَجَاهَلَهُ، بَلْ يَنْبَغِي أنْ تُعِيدَهُ إلَيْهِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy tells us not to ignore someone else's property, like an ox or sheep, if we see it lost. Instead, we should help return it to its owner. It's about being helpful and responsible.
Explained for Children
Imagine you see your friend's toy car lost on the street. This verse says you shouldn't just walk away, but help find your friend and return the car. It's like being a good neighbor who looks out for others.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Moses around 1250 BC as part of the law given to the Israelites. It was meant to encourage the community to take care of each other and their belongings, reflecting the cultural importance of community support and responsibility.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this might mean returning a lost wallet to its owner or helping a neighbor with a runaway shopping cart. It's about actively looking out for others and not ignoring their needs.
Topics
loveresponsibilitycommunityjusticeneighborlinessintegrity
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hide thyself from them' mean in Deuteronomy 22:1?
It means to avoid helping or pretending not to see something. The verse emphasizes the importance of not ignoring someone's need and actively helping them.
Why are ox and sheep specifically mentioned?
Ox and sheep were common livestock in ancient Israel, and they were crucial for daily life. Mentioning them highlights the practical importance of this commandment.
How can this verse be applied to digital property?
Just as the verse encourages returning lost physical items, it can be applied to digital property by returning lost data or helping someone recover lost digital assets when possible.
What if the lost property belongs to someone who isn't a 'brother'?
The concept of 'brother' here can be understood as any community member. The principle of helping to return lost property applies to everyone, not just those of the same faith or family.