22"‘But if without enmity someone suddenly pushes another or throws something at them unintentionally
23or, without seeing them, drops on them a stone heavy enough to kill them, and they die, then since that other person was not an enemy and no harm was intended,
24the assembly must judge between the accused and the avenger of blood according to these regulations.
25The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send the accused back to the city of refuge to which they fled. The accused must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.
- P62
30"‘Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
31"‘Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. They are to be put to death. - P63
While the Law shows no mercy to those who intentionally kill another, God grants mercy to those who unintentionally cause the death of another. - P64
If such an incident occurs, the accused must flee to one of the cities of refuge, and the assembly is to protect them from the avenger of blood. If it is determined that the death was unintentional, they must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. - P64
Every life created by God is precious, so the Law demands a life for a life that was intentionally taken. However, God shows mercy to those who cause harm by accident, ensuring their protection from further retribution. - P64
Justice and mercy are both part of God’s character and both are evident in His commands. - P64
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your mercy and justice. - P65
Please forgive me for my intentional and unintentional sins, and grant me the wisdom and strength to live in a way that displays Your mercy and justice. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P64
The author explains laws for unintentional killing. If a person kills withouthatred, the congregation judges the case. If the person is innocent, theymust stay in a city of refuge until the high priest dies. - P63
Murderers face execu-tion because bloodshed defiles the land, which can only be cleansed by themurderer‘s death. - P63
Although God shows mercy to the accused by allowing them to stay safelyin a city of refuge, it does not mean that He disregards the death theycaused. - P64
While the city of refuge grants them life, they are restricted fromleaving its boundaries until the death of the high priest. This not only protects them but also prevents further bloodshed in the nation. - P64
For the samepurpose, intentional murderers are to be put to death. No ransom can beaccepted for their lives. These laws are given to prevent the land from beingpolluted or defiled by bloodshed, because it is where the Lord dwellsHis people. - P64
Because God dwells among them, God‘s people are to be carefulto practice both mercy and justice. - P64
A non-Christian friend once asked me, "You go to church every Sunday torepent, right?" I replied, "Not just on Sundays; we ask for forgiveness everyday." Whether our sin is big or small, intentional or unintentional, involv-ing other persons or just ourselves, receiving God‘s mercy does not absolveus of responsibility. - P65
We must acknowledge, accept, and take responsibilityfor the damage our sins cause. God‘s mercy isn‘t a free pass to continue insin; it frees us to live in a way that upholds His justice. - P65
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