Exodus 22:6
If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
Exodus 22:6
**Meaning & Context** (200 words)
If fire breaks out and catches thorns, burning crops or fields, the one who kindled the fire must make restitution. This is a broad liability clause for fire risk, reflecting agrarian vulnerability to environmental hazards. It recognizes that a small spark can devastate a neighbor’s property, so the responsible party must compensate for the damage caused by their ignition.
**Theological Significance** (150 words)
The verse demonstrates communal responsibility for safeguarding others’ livelihoods and the seriousness of neglect in managing potential fire hazards. It aligns with biblical themes of neighbor-love and justice—preventing harm and restoring what was damaged.
**Modern Application** (150 words)
Practically, this invites accountability for negligence that leads to fires—clear policy for burning fields, yard fires, or industrial sparks, plus a duty to compensate victims if a fire escapes containment.
**Cross-References**: Leviticus 26:12; Numbers 16:6-7; James 2:14-17