THEOSISWlastow G.K.
In verses 10 to 13, regulations essential to the herdsmen's community are outlined, which, as indicated by Jacob's dialogue with Laban (Gen. 31:39), originate from ancient traditions that have long governed the associations between the owners of vast herds and those who entrusted their smaller flocks for safekeeping. These rules primarily focus on the interactions between herd owners and the shepherds responsible for their care. When disputes arose, an oath administered before judges in the name of the Lord would resolve the matter, but this was applicable only to instances of hidden theft from the herd that had been entrusted to them.
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Any carcasses or injuries were to be reported to the owner, who could not demand recompense for the loss of the deceased animals, as these occurrences were common in the life of a shepherd and were beyond the control of both the shepherd and the owner. If theft was not overt (v. 12), meaning the shepherd was aware of the thief and could potentially prevent the theft or identify the wrongdoer, compensation was to be made to the owner or shepherd who had entrusted their cattle for safekeeping. In such instances, the shepherd would receive double the amount from the thief, and in known circumstances, he could claim quadruple or quintuple restitution.