"Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your countrymen.” (v.1)
Among the instructions God gave His people were ones regarding the possessions of others. Straying animals were not to be ignored but returned. At times wandering livestock was to be kept until the owner came to claim it. Even fallen animals were to be assisted. Simply put, when something is lost, a finder cannot claim it as theirs without taking all due diligence to restore it to the owner. If the owner seeks the missing object, it must be restored to him.
God here condemned the sin of doing nothing. To see your brother in need, and to do nothing, is to do evil. When one has the opportunity to do good, you must not "hide yourself" (ignore it). "Do not hide thyself" is a twice-repeated instruction in the opening verses of Deuteronomy 22. It is easier to ignore than get involved. These instructions though remind us that God is not concerned just with issues of wrongdoing, but with relationships. His people are not to just look out for themselves, but also for the needs and well-being of others.
Once again we are encouraged to get involved in the plights others face. God is concerned that His people help others.
The Truth: “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)
