Deuteronomy 19:11 describes a scenario where someone intentionally murders their neighbor. Let's break down the verse:
"But if any man hates his neighbor...": This establishes the motive: the perpetrator harbors hatred towards the victim.
"...lies in wait for him...": This indicates premeditation and planning. The killer is actively plotting and waiting for an opportunity to commit the murder.
"...rises up against him, strikes him mortally so that he dies...": This describes the act of violence itself. The person attacks their neighbor with the intent to kill, and the attack is successful.
"...and he flees into one of these cities;": This refers to the "cities of refuge" mentioned earlier in Deuteronomy 19. These were designated cities where someone who had accidentally killed someone could flee to escape the vengeance of the victim's family.
In summary, Deuteronomy 19:11 describes a situation where someone commits premeditated murder and then tries to use the cities of refuge, which were meant for accidental killings, as a sanctuary. The subsequent verses in Deuteronomy make it clear that the person would not be protected by the city of refuge in such a case; they would be handed over to the avenger of blood to face justice.
The point of this verse is to distinguish between accidental manslaughter (where the cities of refuge would apply) and intentional murder (where they would not). It highlights the importance of intent in determining guilt and the appropriate punishment.
Deuteronomy 19:11 describes a scenario where someone intentionally murders their neighbor. Let's break down the verse:
"But if any man hates his neighbor...": This establishes the motive: the perpetrator harbors hatred towards the victim.
"...lies in wait for him...": This indicates premeditation and planning. The killer is actively plotting and waiting for an opportunity to commit the murder.
"...rises up against him, strikes him mortally so that he dies...": This describes the act of violence itself. The person attacks their neighbor with the intent to kill, and the attack is successful.
"...and he flees into one of these cities;": This refers to the "cities of refuge" mentioned earlier in Deuteronomy 19. These were designated cities where someone who had accidentally killed someone could flee to escape the vengeance of the victim's family.
In summary, Deuteronomy 19:11 describes a situation where someone commits premeditated murder and then tries to use the cities of refuge, which were meant for accidental killings, as a sanctuary. The subsequent verses in Deuteronomy make it clear that the person would not be protected by the city of refuge in such a case; they would be handed over to the avenger of blood to face justice.
The point of this verse is to distinguish between accidental manslaughter (where the cities of refuge would apply) and intentional murder (where they would not). It highlights the importance of intent in determining guilt and the appropriate punishment.