“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:”
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch. It contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 19:20 discusses a situation where someone harbours hatred towards their neighbour and intentionally plans and carries out an attack against them, causing the neighbour’s death. This verse is a continuation of a larger passage in which God provides instructions for establishing cities of refuge, also known as sanctuary cities.
Context:The cities of refuge were designated places in ancient Israel where individuals who unintentionally caused the death of another person could find protection from potential avengers seeking revenge. These cities were established to ensure justice and prevent blood feuds.
Hatred and Premeditated Murder:The verse addresses a specific scenario in which a person harbours hatred for their neighbour, plans an attack, and intentionally kills them. It emphasises the malicious intent behind the act and the premeditated nature of the crime.
Fleeing to a City of Refuge:In ancient Israel, when someone committed accidental manslaughter or unintentionally caused the death of another person, they were to flee to one of the designated cities of refuge to seek safety from the avenger of blood, who was a relative of the deceased seeking retribution.
Legal Implications:The subsequent verses in Deuteronomy 19 elaborate on the legal proceedings that would take place when the accused reached the city of refuge. The elders of the city would investigate the case, and if they found the person guilty of intentional murder, they would hand them over to the avenger of blood. However, if the elders determined that the death was unintentional, the person would remain in the city of refuge and be protected from harm.
Principles of Justice:This passage underscores the importance of justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human life. It demonstrates God’s concern for providing a fair legal system and preventing vigilantism or unjust retaliation by establishing these cities of refuge.
Symbolic Significance:In a broader theological sense, these cities of refuge can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as the cities of refuge offered protection to those who sought it, Jesus provides refuge and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.
Overall, Deuteronomy 19:20 emphasises the seriousness of intentional harm and underscores the need for a just legal system to handle such cases. It reminds us of the importance of loving our neighbours and the consequences of harbouring hatred and seeking harm against them.
