Exodus 23:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is perplexing how one could overlook that the earlier commandments given to the Israelites prohibit them from neglecting even the livestock of their enemies, whether they are wounded or lost, instructing them instead to tend to and care for them. Thus, the foundational act of cruelty that emerges from a lower nature is overlooking the suffering of the laboring and domestic animals of our foes; the next level is the neglect of the enemies themselves, since humanity holds greater worth than the voiceless creatures, thus marking the sin of neglecting our enemies as greater. Following this, the third degree is the disdain for brethren, even if they are strangers; the fourth pertains to overlooking domestic livestock; the fifth is when we disregard not only their physical beings but also their perishing souls; the sixth occurs when we carelessly permit the ruin of our home and our children; the seventh arises when we fail to seek others to provide care; the eighth, when we obstruct and forbid those willing to help; and the ninth, when we not only prevent assistance but also actively oppose it. Consequently, if the first, second, and third levels of this wickedness attract punishment, what intense fire will await us at the ninth level? One could justifiably refer to it not merely as the ninth or tenth, but even the eleventh. Why? Because the severity of this sin is greater both in essence and in its temporal consequences. What does this mean in terms of time? If we now commit the same transgressions as those under the law, we face not merely equivalent penalties, but far greater ones, given that we have received a more profound gift, a more complete teaching, and hold a higher honor. Therefore, if this sin is so grievous both in nature and in duration, consider the dreadful flames it will ignite for those who commit it. The third word is directed to the believing father.

Indeed, if we are called to exhibit compassion even to those without a voice, how much greater ought our love be for those who share our nature and dignity? This is the teaching of reason and the law, alongside the wisest individuals, who recognize that it is preferable to confer kindness than to seek it and that mercy holds greater value than wealth.

An enemy participating in the effort to help the fallen beast will likely engage in dialogue with the adversary, saying, "You lift from that side, and I will lift from this side." Dialogue is the beginning of reconciliation and the journey toward friendship. Thus, the Divine Wisdom aims for three significant outcomes: first, the preservation of the animal; second, the prevention of loss to its owner; and third, the reconciliation and friendship between the foes. When someone experiences an act of kindness, regardless of their insensitivity, they will feel inclined to express gratitude to the benefactor, and those viewed as benefactors can no longer remain seen as enemies. Observe how incomprehensible Wisdom justifies all actions with a focus on compassion and humanity.

Take heed that if, with genuine love, you neglect to confront every sinner—first in private, and if ignored, then publicly—this admonition will be applicable to you, as it was to unfaithful priests: ‘If you do not warn the wicked about his wickedness, I will hold you accountable for his blood’ (Ezekiel 3:18).