Exodus 21:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Regarding the foundational elements, Leviticus 17:1-6 states that the flesh of a slaughtered animal was prohibited for consumption; thus, the only recompense for the negligent owner of an uncovered pit was the hide. In the wilderness and subsequently in Palestine, any pit or well needed to be sealed with a stone if it was not deep or surrounded by a low stone wall, similar to current practices in Asia.