Deuteronomy 25:2-4

International Children’s Bible

² The guilty person might have to be punished with a beating. If so, the judge will make him lie down. They will beat him in front of the judge. The number of lashes should match the crime. ³ But don’t hit him more than 40 times. If he is beaten more than that, it would disgrace him before others.

⁴ When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating.