Num 35:16-21 | MHM | STEP | v. 16-21, 30-31, 33 : The law says that anyone who kills another person on purpose must be put to death ( v. 16-21, 30-31, 33 ). There is no escape or ransom for a murderer. The punishment must fit the crime, and only the death of the murderer can pay for the blood that was shed (Genesis 9:6 ). The land itself is polluted by murder, and it can only be cleansed if justice is done. God’s law also says that a person cannot be put to death with just one witness; there must be at least two (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15 ). The avenger of blood, usually the closest relative, had the right to act, but only if the case was clear.

‏ Numbers 35:16-21

v. 16-21, 30-31, 33: The law says that anyone who kills another person on purpose must be put to death (v. 16-21, 30-31, 33 ^a). There is no escape or ransom for a murderer. The punishment must fit the crime, and only the death of the murderer can pay for the blood that was shed (Genesis 9:6 ^b). The land itself is polluted by murder, and it can only be cleansed if justice is done. God’s law also says that a person cannot be put to death with just one witness; there must be at least two (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15 ^c). The avenger of blood, usually the closest relative, had the right to act, but only if the case was clear.

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