To break the neck of the donkey if the owner does not intend to redeem it

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 23) writes that the mitzvah instills faith by showing that refusing Hashem’s redemption command leads to loss. It affirms that true blessing comes only through obedience.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 12:2) explains that arifah forces reverence for Hashem’s will — the donkey may not be kept or benefited from, teaching awe and submission to Divine authority.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Talmud (Bekhorot 11a) states that arifah is itself a mitzvah, not just a punishment. Even in destruction, the act sanctifies Hashem’s command by ensuring no misuse of what is consecrated.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• Donkeys were essential for labor and transport. The mitzvah teaches that livelihood is not purely practical but bound by Divine law, even when it means forfeiting material benefit.

Animals – בְּהֵמוֹת

• Rashi (Exodus 13:13) notes the irony: the donkey, meant to symbolize wealth carried from Egypt, is wasted when not redeemed. This highlights the Torah’s compassion and precision regarding animals.

Priests – כֹּהֲנִים

• The loss occurs only because the Kohen was denied his due. By removing benefit from the owner, the mitzvah protects the Kohanim’s rights and reminds the people of their obligation.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• The mitzvah enforces justice by preventing selfish withholding. Refusing to give the Kohen his gift results in complete forfeiture, ensuring fairness in the community.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• When the owner suffers loss through arifah, the community witnesses the consequence of neglect. This public element reinforces collective responsibility toward mitzvot.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• At its core, this mitzvah is about loyalty to Hashem. By mandating loss when His will is ignored, it emphasizes that Divine authority governs even material possessions.