40 Minutes In The Old Testament

Episode 173 (Deuteronomy 19:1-21:9)

9 snips
Jul 12, 2019
Discover the concept of cities of refuge designed to protect accidental killers from revenge. Explore the intriguing prohibition on moving boundary stones and its cultural significance. Hear about the importance of witness testimonies and the penalties for false accusations. Delve into God's assurance for Israel in battle, revealing how priests served as military chaplains. Finally, learn about the unique heifer ritual for unsolved murders, showcasing the blend of justice and ritual in ancient Israel.
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ANECDOTE

Cities Of Refuge Explained

  • Chad explains the origin and purpose of cities of refuge as protections against kinship revenge killings.
  • He recounts how an accidental ax blow could otherwise put the killer's life in danger and how the refuge system limited vengeance.
INSIGHT

Law Built For Fallen People

  • Chad emphasizes the Torah's 'low anthropology': laws assume people will sin and guard against selfish and deceitful behaviors.
  • The law functions both to prohibit sin and to contain incentives that might encourage further wrongdoing.
ADVICE

Require Multiple Witnesses

  • Do require multiple witnesses before convicting someone because single testimony can be malicious or false.
  • The Torah prescribes two or three witnesses and punishes false witnesses with the very penalty they sought for the accused.
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