Whom are We Goring?

In Exo. 21:28-32, the Israelite law gives some stipulations about what to do when an ox "gores" a human being to death. According to the text, if it is a first time occurrence, then only the ox is to be put to death. However, if the ox has a habit of attacking people that the owner is aware of, then the owner is also to be killed if that ox gores a person to death.

It is interesting that the law codes of Hammurabi also contain passages about ox gorings. Apparently people must have enjoyed taunting oxen or something for this to be a common enough problem to write laws about it. But, nonetheless, when we compare the Exodus text with Hammurabi's laws, it is interesting that the cost to the owner differs. With the Mesopotamian texts, all that is required of an owner is a payment of money to the family of the victim. However, in Exodus, the cost is heightened as it will cost the owner his very life if he acts with negligence. Thus, it might be reasonable to argue here, given the Israelites were probably familiar with other ancient law codes and ethics, that they are also stating something about the character of YHWH. In particular, YHWH very much takes the issue of human life seriously. It is no small matter when a person gets killed. Thus, if the guilty party had prior knowledge that could have prevented the death, it is not something that a payment of money will sufficiently cover. The guilty person's life is required. Thus, God establishes the importance of human life even through a seemingly ordinary rule.

However, as we look at our own lives, I wonder if we face some of the same issues as Israel here. In particular, do we have the same high view of human life, or are we willing to throw away lives when it is convenient for us? In other words, what "oxen" do we use and employ that have a tendency to "gore" others? For example, when we use certain products, such as coffee, do we end up using and supporting "ox" companies that abuse and "gore" employees, particularly those in less fortunate situations. And while perhaps we can be excused based on ignorance like the ox owner whose ox kills a person for the first time, what does it say about us when we do have knowledge of "gorings" and still choose not to act to defend those who are injured in the process? Do we choose our own comfort and convenience over even human life? Do we put up with sweatshops and corruption when it makes our life easier or cheaper? It seems to me that if we worship  the God who places great value on human life and dignity that we cannot make such a choice in good conscience.