Legs or a piece of an ear snatched from the lion by a shepherd served as proof of attack that an animal herder brought to the owner of the beasts in the event that a wild animal had destroyed one of the flock. Such proof freed the shepherd of paying any restitution for the destroyed animal (Exodus 22:10–13). Amos confirms that when invasion strikes, destruction will be so complete that only proof of death remains.1
12 Ainsi parle l'Eternel: Comme le berger arrache de la gueule du lion Deux jambes ou un bout d'oreille, Ainsi se sauveront les enfants d'Israël qui sont assis dans Samarie A l'angle d'un lit et sur des tapis de damas.