Even today, punishment for involuntary manslaughter is less severe than punishment for murder. For the Israelites, six cities are to be refuge cities specifically reserved for those accused of this type of manslaughter. - P60
God does not require the life of someone who has unintentionally taken another. In His grace, God prevents further shedding of blood for cases where the victim’s family might want to exact revenge on one who has unintentionally taken a life. - P60
God not only sees outward actions but knows the intentions of the heart. He knows that in this fallen world, there are not only intentional sins, but unintentional accidents as well. - P60
One way God demonstrates His grace is by making a way for sinful people to be able to live in community with other sinful people. - P60
11select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee.
12They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.
13These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge.
- P58
17Or if anyone is holding a stone and strikes someone a fatal blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death.
18Or if anyone is holding a wooden object and strikes someone a fatal blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death.
19The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when the avenger comes upon the murderer, the avenger shall put the murderer to death. - P59
20If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at them intentionally so that they die
21or if out of enmity one person hits another with their fist so that the other dies, that person is to be put to death; that person is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when they meet. - P59
Though grace is given in a case of unintentional manslaughter, God will nottolerate the intentional taking of a human life. Some evidences to intentionality are listed. If a person strikes another using any tools or objects thatcould kill, that person is to be treated as a murderer. - P60
The avenger of blood,
usually a near relative, has the right to exact vengeance. This may seem likea harsh right to condone, but it ultimately points to the seriousness of sinand the preciousness of life. Evil must be punished and uprooted fromamong the people of God. - P60
Our many sins against God were also deservingof righteous vengeance. A life was the payment, but instead of ours, the lifeof God‘s Son was given. What an amazing grace! - P60
Father, I remember that I deserved death for my many sins. - P61
But I also remember that a life was given on my behalf. - P61
Jesus, His life, His death, and His resurrection are mine through faith. Cement my thoughts in this truth always. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P61
|