But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. But if a man schemesThe phrase "schemes" comes from the Hebrew root "זָדוֹן" (zadon), which implies a premeditated, intentional act. This word highlights the gravity of the sin, as it is not a crime of passion or accident but a calculated decision to commit murder. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such premeditation was seen as a direct affront to the order and justice that God established. The deliberate nature of the act underscores the moral responsibility and the hardened heart of the perpetrator, contrasting with the sanctity of life that God commands His people to uphold. and kills another man deliberately you must take him away from My altar to be put to death Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man Who SchemesThis refers to an individual who premeditates and carries out the act of murder. The Hebrew word used here implies intentionality and planning. 2. The Neighbor This is the victim of the premeditated murder. In the context of ancient Israel, a neighbor would be a fellow member of the community or tribe. 3. The Altar The altar represents a place of worship and sanctuary. In ancient Israel, it was believed to be a place where one could seek refuge or mercy from God. 4. The Act of Deliberate Killing This event is a serious crime in the eyes of God, as it involves intentional harm against another person, violating the commandment against murder. 5. The Command to Execute Justice The directive to take the murderer away from the altar and put him to death underscores the seriousness of the crime and the importance of justice. Teaching Points The Sanctity of LifeHuman life is sacred because it is created in the image of God. Premeditated murder is a grave sin that violates this sanctity. Justice and Mercy While God's altar is a place of mercy, justice must still be served. The balance between justice and mercy is a recurring theme in Scripture. Intentions of the Heart God judges not only actions but also the intentions behind them. Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives. Community Responsibility The community has a role in upholding justice and ensuring that God's laws are followed. This includes taking action against those who commit serious crimes. The Role of the Law The law serves to maintain order and reflect God's standards of righteousness. It points to the need for a Savior who fulfills the law perfectly. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command in Exodus 21:14 reflect the value God places on human life?2. In what ways does the concept of justice in this verse relate to the broader biblical account of justice and mercy? 3. How can we apply the principle of examining our intentions, as seen in this verse, to our daily lives? 4. What role does the community play in upholding justice according to Exodus 21:14, and how can this be applied in a modern church context? 5. How does the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:21-22 expand our understanding of the commandment against murder, and what practical steps can we take to align our hearts with His teaching? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 9:6This verse establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, emphasizing the sanctity of human life created in God's image. Numbers 35:16-21 These verses provide further details on the laws concerning murder and the distinction between accidental and premeditated killing. Deuteronomy 19:11-13 This passage reiterates the command to show no pity to a murderer, emphasizing the need for justice. Matthew 5:21-22 Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, addressing the heart's intentions and the sin of anger.
People MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Act, Acts, Altar, Attack, Attacks, Craftily, Death, Deceit, Deliberately, Die, Guile, However, Kill, Kills, Makes, Neighbor, Neighbour, Presume, Presumptuously, Purpose, Schemes, Slay, Subtilty, Treacherously, Wantonly, WillfullyDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 21:14 5061 sanctity of life Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are … Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Kinsman Redeemer Non-Resistance A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines. The Sixth Commandment That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls. In Death and after Death Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. The Section Chap. I. -iii. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Exodus Links Exodus 21:14 NIVExodus 21:14 NLT Exodus 21:14 ESV Exodus 21:14 NASB Exodus 21:14 KJV Exodus 21:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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