Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 6:31

31. But if he be found, he shall restore seven-fold , he shall give all the substance of his house.

Qu. How doth this agree with Gods Law, which required onely that he should restore double, or, at most, four-fold, or fivefold? Exod. 22. 1. 4. Ans. 1. The number of Seven may be here put indefinitely for many times, as it is Gen. 4. 24. Levit. 26. 28. and in many other places. 2. Some think that as Thefts were multiplied, so the punishment of it was increased in Solomon's time, or, at least, that it was the practice of some Nations to require this sevenfold restitution. 3. He speaks not of that restitution which the Law required, but of that which either the wronged Person being potent might force the Thief to make, or which the Thief would willingly give rather than be exposed to publick shame; as appears by the following Clause, wherein he adds to this sevenfold restitution all his substance, which no Law of God or Man required.