That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
This is so that innocent people won't be killed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so you won't be held responsible for their deaths.
God is saying that His people must protect innocent life in the land He's given them, or they'll be held accountable for allowing wrongful deaths.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Moses' instructions about establishing cities of refuge where people who accidentally killed someone could flee for safety. In ancient Israel, family members had the right to avenge a relative's death, but God wanted to distinguish between intentional murder and accidental killing. The cities of refuge were meant to prevent innocent blood from being shed through wrongful revenge.
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