Punishment of theft was severe under the Mosaic law, as in all pastoral countries where the property was chiefly in flocks, more or less exposed to persons of felonious intent
The thief was compelled to make restitution, five-fold for a stolen ox and fourfold for a sheep. To kill a thief, caught in the act, was not a capital offense. If restitution was impossible a thief could be sold (Ex. 22:1-4).