Numbers 35:16-21

THE INTENTIONAL MANSLAYER, Numbers 35:16-21.

16-21. If any person has struck another with an instrument of iron, as an axe or hammer, or with a stone, literally, a stone of the hand, that is, large enough to fill the hand and to kill a man with, or with a hand weapon of wood, as a thick club, and death ensued, a murderous intent is inferred, and the death penalty is inflicted. An ambuscade or laying of wait, preceding the fatal blow, is a still stronger proof of malice aforethought. Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13, note. Capital punishment is discussed in Leviticus 24:21, note, and in the concluding note of the same chapter.

The revenger of blood shall slay the murderer This duty was never outlawed by any limitation of time or of place, save within the walls of the city of refuge. If the offender took refuge in a free city the elders of the city were to hand him over to the avenger, or goel, to be slain. Genesis 4:15, note; Deuteronomy 19:11-12.