Deuteronomy 19:1-21; 20:1-9 Laws Concerning Trials for Murder (May 16, 2021 PM, Rev. Michael Grasso)

How does the law against murder relate to cities of refuge? In Deuteronomy 19:1-21 and 21:1-9 Moses deals with how Israel is apply the sixth commandment prohibiting murder in public life. Moses commanded the Israelites to set aside cities of refuge so that people who unintentionally kill another may flee there and be saved. In these passages Moses emphasizes the importance of intention for guilt in murder, the establishment of the truth with multiple witnesses, the importance of the death penalty, and the imperfection of justice in this life (which leads us to expect better things when Christ returns).