Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
Or if someone hits another person with their hand out of hatred, and that person dies, then the one who struck the fatal blow must be put to death because he is a murderer. The family member seeking justice for the victim's blood may kill the murderer when he finds him.
This verse explains that intentional killing motivated by hatred is murder, and the murderer deserves death as punishment.
📚 Historical Context
This passage is part of God's instructions to Moses about cities of refuge and laws concerning murder versus accidental killing. In ancient Israel, the 'avenger of blood' was typically the nearest male relative of a murder victim who had the legal responsibility to pursue justice. These laws helped distinguish between intentional murder and accidental death, providing protection for those who killed unintentionally while ensuring justice for deliberate murder.
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