“And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.”
This verse is part of the laws given by God to the Israelites regarding cities of refuge and the punishment for murder. Let’s explore the context and meaning of this verse in more detail.
Context:The Book of Numbers primarily deals with the events that occurred during the Israelites’ wilderness journey. In Numbers 35, God establishes the cities of refuge as places where a person who unintentionally kills someone could seek protection from the avenger of blood.
Protection for the unintentional killer:The verse preceding Numbers 35:17, specifically Numbers 35:16, sets the stage for this verse. It states that if a person strikes another with an iron object and causes death, that person is a murderer and should be put to death. However, Numbers 35:17 focuses on a situation where a person kills someone by throwing a stone. If death results from this action, the person who threw the stone is also considered a murderer.
Murder and its consequences:The verse emphasizes the seriousness of taking someone’s life unlawfully. It states that the murderer shall surely be put to death, indicating the gravity of the crime committed. The principle behind this commandment is the sanctity of human life, as God values every person’s life and holds individuals accountable for their actions.
The cities of refuge:Immediately after this verse, the subsequent verses in Numbers 35 describe the purpose and function of the cities of refuge. God designated six cities of refuge within the land of Canaan, where individuals who accidentally caused the death of another person could flee to find safety. The avenger of blood, who was a family member seeking justice for the victim’s death, was not allowed to harm the unintentional killer within the city of refuge.
In summary, Numbers 35:17 emphasizes the gravity of taking a life unlawfully, even in situations where death is caused by throwing a stone. The verse establishes that such an act constitutes murder, and the punishment for the murderer is death. The context of this verse leads to the subsequent establishment of cities of refuge, offering protection for those who unintentionally caused someone’s death, ensuring that justice is served while also valuing human life.
It’s important to note that as Christians, while we can learn from and appreciate the historical and legal context of these Old Testament laws, our ultimate guide for understanding God’s will and principles is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus reinforced the importance of valuing and respecting human life and taught us to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34).
