Deuteronomy 17:8-13
17:8 a whether someone is guilty of murder or only of manslaughter: In Old Testament law, as in modern jurisprudence, murder was intentional, manslaughter was accidental (cp. 19:1-13 b).17:9 c priests or the judge: Both types of officials could decide matters of either a religious or a secular nature.
17:11 d do not modify it: This Hebrew term envisions keeping on a straight path (cp. Prov 4:25-27 e; Heb 12:13 f). Once a verdict has been rendered, the sentence must be applied according to the law and the rules of evidence. Justice must be carried out on an unswerving path of fairness and righteousness.
17:12 g purge the evil: The effects of evil should not be allowed to fester in the community. Like a cancer, they must be completely eradicated.
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