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 Thus says the LORD: “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.