Deu 21:1-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Deut 21:1-9: 21:1-9 The guilt of murder was usually removed through the death of the murderer (19:11-13 ; Num 35:30-34 ). However, if the murderer was unknown, the guilt could still be removed by using this ritual. 21:1 In contrast to the word translated murder in the Ten Commandments (see study note on 5:17), the Hebrew verb here translated murdered (literally pierced through ) indicates clear evidence that the death was not by natural causes.

a21:1-9►

b19:11-13►

cNum 35:30-34►

d21:1►

e21:3-8►

f19:6-7►

gNum 35:16-29►

h21:4►

i21:6►

jMatt 27:24►

‏ Deuteronomy 21:1-9

Summary for Deut 21:1-9: 21:1-9 ^a The guilt of murder was usually removed through the death of the murderer (19:11-13 ^b; Num 35:30-34 ^c). However, if the murderer was unknown, the guilt could still be removed by using this ritual. 21:1 ^d In contrast to the word translated murder in the Ten Commandments (see study note on 5:17), the Hebrew verb here translated murdered (literally pierced through) indicates clear evidence that the death was not by natural causes.
Summary for Deut 21:3-8: 21:3-8 ^e An avenger from the victim’s family (19:6-7 ^f; Num 35:16-29 ^g) could not hold the whole community responsible.
21:4 ^h The stream would be an ever-flowing (perennial) brook located in an isolated area, free of contaminants.
21:6 ⁱ wash their hands: This ancient practice asserted innocence (cp. Matt 27:24 ^j); by it the community would declare that it was not responsible for a crime committed in its vicinity.