Numbers 35:21 - or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died, he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him.
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What does "Numbers 35:21" mean?
Numbers 35:21 describes a scenario where someone intentionally kills another person through a direct physical assault. Let's break it down:
"or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died...": This establishes that the death occurred because the attacker, out of animosity (hostility), physically struck the victim. The manner of striking is with their hand, emphasizing a deliberate act.
"he who struck him shall surely be put to death.": This is the fundamental judgment: If someone intentionally kills another in this manner, the consequence is capital punishment (death).
"He is a murderer.": This reinforces the severity of the act and the moral culpability of the person who committed it. It's not an accident; it's murder.
"The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him.": This is about who carries out the execution. The "avenger of blood" is typically a close male relative of the deceased, responsible for pursuing and killing the murderer. This system was designed to ensure justice and prevent blood feuds. "When he meets him" implies that the avenger of blood has the right to pursue the murderer and execute the judgement upon finding them.
In essence, this verse outlines the following principles:
Intentional killing is a capital offense. The death must be a direct result of the attacker's actions and motivated by malice.
Justice is swift and personal. The victim's family, represented by the avenger of blood, has the responsibility to carry out the punishment.
Important Considerations:
Context: This verse is part of a larger set of laws in Numbers 35 concerning intentional and unintentional killings, cities of refuge, and the overall administration of justice in ancient Israel.
Distinction from Unintentional Killings: This verse specifically deals with intentional acts. Other verses in the chapter address situations where someone causes a death unintentionally, which had different consequences (e.g., fleeing to a city of refuge).
Historical Context: This law reflects the social and legal realities of ancient Israelite society. It is important to understand it within that context.
In modern legal systems, the role of the "avenger of blood" has been replaced by the state, which is responsible for investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and carrying out punishments through a structured legal process.
Numbers 35:21 - or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died, he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him.
What does "Numbers 35:21" mean?
Numbers 35:21 describes a scenario where someone intentionally kills another person through a direct physical assault. Let's break it down:
"or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died...": This establishes that the death occurred because the attacker, out of animosity (hostility), physically struck the victim. The manner of striking is with their hand, emphasizing a deliberate act.
"he who struck him shall surely be put to death.": This is the fundamental judgment: If someone intentionally kills another in this manner, the consequence is capital punishment (death).
"He is a murderer.": This reinforces the severity of the act and the moral culpability of the person who committed it. It's not an accident; it's murder.
"The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him.": This is about who carries out the execution. The "avenger of blood" is typically a close male relative of the deceased, responsible for pursuing and killing the murderer. This system was designed to ensure justice and prevent blood feuds. "When he meets him" implies that the avenger of blood has the right to pursue the murderer and execute the judgement upon finding them.
In essence, this verse outlines the following principles:
Intentional killing is a capital offense. The death must be a direct result of the attacker's actions and motivated by malice.
Justice is swift and personal. The victim's family, represented by the avenger of blood, has the responsibility to carry out the punishment.
Important Considerations:
Context: This verse is part of a larger set of laws in Numbers 35 concerning intentional and unintentional killings, cities of refuge, and the overall administration of justice in ancient Israel.
Distinction from Unintentional Killings: This verse specifically deals with intentional acts. Other verses in the chapter address situations where someone causes a death unintentionally, which had different consequences (e.g., fleeing to a city of refuge).
Historical Context: This law reflects the social and legal realities of ancient Israelite society. It is important to understand it within that context.
In modern legal systems, the role of the "avenger of blood" has been replaced by the state, which is responsible for investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and carrying out punishments through a structured legal process.