Deuteronomy 19:13 - Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel that it may go well with you.
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What does "Deuteronomy 19:13" mean?
Deuteronomy 19:13 is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) that deals with the establishment of cities of refuge. These cities were designated as safe havens for those who had unintentionally killed someone. The purpose was to prevent blood feuds and ensure justice was served.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its context:
"Your eye shall not pity him...": This refers to the unintentional killer who has not fled to a city of refuge. The verse is emphasizing that the avenger of blood (the victim's relative) is not to show mercy to a murderer found outside of the refuge system. It emphasizes that a just punishment must be carried out for intentional murder.
"...but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel...": This is the central point. The shedding of innocent blood defiles the land and brings a curse upon the community. By executing the intentional murderer, the community removes this defilement and atones for the crime. It's a principle of collective responsibility – the community must act to uphold justice and remove the stain of innocent blood.
"...that it may go well with you.": This states the consequence of upholding justice. By punishing the guilty (intentional murderer) and properly handling cases of accidental death (through the city of refuge system), the community will be blessed and experience prosperity and well-being. Justice is foundational to a flourishing society.
In summary, the verse does NOT advocate for mercilessness or violence. It mandates the just punishment of intentional murderers to cleanse the land from the defilement of innocent blood, while also providing a system of refuge and protection for those who unintentionally cause death. It highlights the importance of justice for the well-being of the entire community. It is often interpreted alongside other laws and traditions within the Hebrew Bible that also emphasize mercy and compassion.
Deuteronomy 19:13 - Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel that it may go well with you.
What does "Deuteronomy 19:13" mean?
Deuteronomy 19:13 is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) that deals with the establishment of cities of refuge. These cities were designated as safe havens for those who had unintentionally killed someone. The purpose was to prevent blood feuds and ensure justice was served.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its context:
"Your eye shall not pity him...": This refers to the unintentional killer who has not fled to a city of refuge. The verse is emphasizing that the avenger of blood (the victim's relative) is not to show mercy to a murderer found outside of the refuge system. It emphasizes that a just punishment must be carried out for intentional murder.
"...but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel...": This is the central point. The shedding of innocent blood defiles the land and brings a curse upon the community. By executing the intentional murderer, the community removes this defilement and atones for the crime. It's a principle of collective responsibility – the community must act to uphold justice and remove the stain of innocent blood.
"...that it may go well with you.": This states the consequence of upholding justice. By punishing the guilty (intentional murderer) and properly handling cases of accidental death (through the city of refuge system), the community will be blessed and experience prosperity and well-being. Justice is foundational to a flourishing society.
In summary, the verse does NOT advocate for mercilessness or violence. It mandates the just punishment of intentional murderers to cleanse the land from the defilement of innocent blood, while also providing a system of refuge and protection for those who unintentionally cause death. It highlights the importance of justice for the well-being of the entire community. It is often interpreted alongside other laws and traditions within the Hebrew Bible that also emphasize mercy and compassion.