Numbers 35:17

Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death.

Study Bible

Or if anyone has in his hand
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and intent. The Hebrew word for "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes power or control. In this context, it suggests that the individual has the means and the deliberate choice to use the stone. The hand is a metaphor for action and agency, indicating that the person is not acting accidentally but with purpose.

a stone capable of causing death
The stone here is not just any stone but one that is specifically "capable of causing death." This implies premeditation or at least awareness of the potential lethality of the object. In ancient times, stones were common weapons, and their use in this context underscores the seriousness of the act. The Hebrew word for stone (אֶבֶן, even) is often associated with strength and permanence, highlighting the gravity of using such an object to harm another.

and strikes another person
The act of striking is deliberate and forceful. The Hebrew verb used here (נָכָה, nakah) means to smite or hit with intent to harm. This action is not passive or accidental; it is a conscious decision to inflict injury. The phrase underscores the aggressor's culpability and the intentional nature of the violence.

and he dies
The consequence of the action is death, which is the ultimate and irreversible outcome. This phrase highlights the severity of the crime and the finality of the victim's fate. In the biblical context, life is sacred, and taking a life is a grave offense against God's creation.

the murderer must surely be put to death
This is a clear mandate for justice, reflecting the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution ("an eye for an eye"). The Hebrew phrase used here (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) is emphatic, indicating that the death penalty is not just permissible but required. This reflects the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of life and the need for justice to be served. In the broader biblical narrative, this underscores the importance of upholding moral order and the consequences of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Numbers were given, as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws to the people.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites were to inherit, where these laws would be applied.

4. The Cities of Refuge
Designated places where someone who killed another unintentionally could flee for safety until a trial.

5. The Avenger of Blood
A family member of the deceased who had the right to seek justice for the murder.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
The law underscores the value God places on human life, requiring justice for those who take it unlawfully.

Intent Matters
The distinction between murder and manslaughter highlights the importance of intent in God's justice system.

Provision for Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge illustrate God's provision for both justice and mercy, allowing for due process and protection for the innocent.

Heart Condition
Jesus' teaching in the New Testament calls believers to examine their hearts, recognizing that anger and hatred are akin to murder.

Community Responsibility
The role of the avenger of blood and the community in administering justice reflects the collective responsibility to uphold God's laws.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the law in Numbers 35:17 reflect God's view of justice and the value of human life?

2. In what ways does the provision of cities of refuge demonstrate God's balance of justice and mercy?

3. How can we apply the principle of examining our heart's intent, as taught by Jesus, in our daily interactions with others?

4. What role does the community play in upholding justice according to the laws given in Numbers, and how can this be applied in the church today?

5. How do the teachings in 1 John 3:15 challenge us to address issues of anger and hatred in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:12-14
This passage provides additional context on the laws regarding murder and manslaughter, emphasizing the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing.

Deuteronomy 19:4-6
Further elaborates on the concept of cities of refuge and the protection they offer to those who commit unintentional manslaughter.

Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, addressing the heart's intent and anger as equivalent to murder in God's eyes.

Romans 13:9
Reiterates the commandment against murder as part of the law of love that fulfills the law.

1 John 3:15
Connects hatred to murder, emphasizing the seriousness of harboring ill will towards others.