“Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.”
Deuteronomy 19:12 is part of a larger passage that deals with the establishment of cities of refuge in ancient Israel. These cities were designated as places of refuge for individuals who unintentionally caused the death of another person. The purpose of these cities was to protect those who accidentally caused harm from being unjustly killed by a avenger of blood, who was typically a close relative seeking retribution.
To understand the verse in context, let’s look at the surrounding verses:
“But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.” (Deuteronomy 19:11-13, KJV)
In this passage, the verse is addressing a specific scenario. If a person intentionally hates their neighbour, premeditates an attack, and causes the death of that person, then they are not eligible for protection in the cities of refuge. Instead, the elders of the city where the crime took place were to deliver the guilty person to the avenger of blood, who would administer justice by executing the offender.
It’s important to note that this passage is part of the Old Testament Law given to the Israelites. The law had specific provisions to maintain order and ensure justice within the community. While it may seem harsh by modern standards, it served as a deterrent against intentional and premeditated acts of violence.
From a spiritual perspective, we can draw some broader principles from this verse. It emphasizes the seriousness of intentionally causing harm to others and highlights the importance of justice. It also underscores the responsibility of the community leaders (the elders) to ensure that justice is carried out.
It’s worth mentioning that the cities of refuge had an underlying principle of providing a safe haven and protection for those who had unintentionally caused harm. This demonstrates God’s concern for mercy and fairness, even within the context of the Old Testament law.
Overall, Deuteronomy 19:12 speaks to the consequences of intentional harm and the role of community leaders in upholding justice. It also provides a backdrop for understanding the purpose of the cities of refuge in ancient Israel.
