of an asse] That is, of a she Asse, who is the damme and bringeth forth a foale: this is also to be understood of an Horse, and of other beasts that were unclean, which were not offered in sacrifice. For Asses both in Egypt, and in Canaan were in more ordinary use, then Horses, both for bearing of burdens, and for riding. See Jud. 10. 4. and 12. 14. and were not onely strong, but swift also, above those of other Countries. shalt thou redeeme] When and at what rate, see Numbers 18:16. break his neck] For if it were not redeemed, it rested as in Gods right and proprietie, and so man was not to make use of it, as his owne: and by his breaking, or cutting off the neck, for the word is used for cutting off, Deuteronomy 21:4. Esa. 66. 3. the ungratitude and hardnesse of the heart of the owner was to be noted, and hated, who would not give a Lambe or Kid, a creature of lesse price and use, for the life of an Asse that might live and doe service. shalt thou redeeme] By offering a clean beast (for sacrifice) in his stead: for otherwise, (as in Gods right, and their owne desert) they might have beene offered up in sacrifice themselves: but they were to be redeemed, as Isaac was, by offering up a Ram, Genesis 22. vers. 12, 13. or by a payment of money, to wit, five shekels, Numbers 18:16.