THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
The sacred law instructs us on the means to restore those who have sinned without undue burden. It requires that the sinner first acknowledges their wrongdoing, then fully compensates the wronged individual for what they have taken, adding a fifth part to the restitution. If the injured party were to pass away before the wrongdoer repents, the compensation should be given to the community. The hierarchy within the family is established as follows: first the son, then the daughter, followed by the father's brother, and then the grandfather's brother. In the absence of these individuals, the next closest relative assumes the role. If no relatives can be found, the law dictates that the aforementioned restitution should be offered to God.
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It is written: “But if there be no man that hath not an eel, how shall the offence which is given unto the Lord be given unto him, the sacrifice shall be to him, except a sheep of purification, which he shall pray for him.” Additionally, it was decreed that the offerings should also be consumed by the priests, for the Levites were the leaders of the people, and the bishop held the highest position among the Levites. Thus, they operated according to their prescribed duties.