Morning - Ps. 79, Lev. 26:27-42, Phil. 4
Evening - Ps. 65, Dt. 19, Mt. 28:11
Commentary, Deuteronomy 19
The Law of God prohibits murder, but what
happens when someone accidentally "killeth his neighbor?" Such a person may flee to a city of
refuge. There he may remain until the
facts surrounding the cause of death are discovered. This will prevent both personal revenge
(19:6), and unjustified official execution, which is really only murder
committed by people holding official power (19:10). If it is justly determined that murder has
occurred, the murderer will be taken from the city of refuge and executed
(19:11-12). It is important to see that God requires justice. Justice requires an impartial investigation
into the facts, and a conclusion based on the facts. Thus, judgment is not to be based upon the
capricious views of kings or public opinion.
It is based only upon truth and the rule of just law. Here is the foundation of the self evident
truth that "all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with
certain inalienable rights" and that "to secure these rights
governments are instituted among men." Just laws that obligate the governors
and the governed are vitally important to free societies. It is interesting
that this passage follows the laws regarding kings in Dt. 17.
Removing landmarks (19:14) is a means of theft
by claiming one's property boundary extends into what is really an other's
land. This makes fraud and
misrepresentation as much an act of theft as breaking into an other's home and
stealing his money.
Again we see the foundation for a just hearing and
rule of law when verses 15-16 delineate the means of trying cases. An accusation is not enough to condemn a
person. Two witnesses are required, and
they must be investigated to determine whether they are truthful or are conspiring
to use the law for immoral purposes. If
the accusers or witnesses are found false, they are to suffer the fate they
attempted to exact upon the accused.
Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for
foot."
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