In like manner shall thou do with his ass
As with his ox or sheep when astray, and found, keep it until it is owned, and then restore it; this is expressly mentioned in ( Exodus 23:4 )
and so shalt thou do with his raiment;
if that is lost and found, it must be restored to the owner, he describing it; a garment is particularly mentioned, it is said F1, because in every garment there is a mark or sign by which the owners can inquire about it; for it is made by the hands of men, and does not come from anything common:
and with all lost things of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou
hast found, shalt thou do likewise:
this comprehends everything that is lost, that is properly so; it is asked F2;
``what is a lost thing? if a man finds an ox or a cow feeding in the way, this is not a lost thing; an ass whose instruments are inverted, and a cow running among the vineyards, this is a lost thing:''thou mayest not hide thyself:
``if a man find a cow in a cow house (which is not shut), he is not obliged (to take care of it); if in a public place, he is obliged; if it is in a burying ground he may not defile himself for it F3.''