Read: Numbers 35-36
Focus Verse: “But if without enmity someone suddenly pushes another or throws something at them unintentionally or, without seeing them, drops on them a stone heavy enough to kill them, and they die, then since that other person was not an enemy and no harm was intended, the assembly must judge between the accused and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood…” “Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.” (Numbers 35:22-25a; 35:30).
Devotion: The last two laws in numbers are a little strange. This one is about sanctuary cities for alleged murderers. Actually when you think about it it’s quite remarkable to think the lengths Israel must go to to prove a person is a murderer. There’s the clear distinction between intentional murder to be executed, whereas unintentional can be excused. They were certainly ahead of the curve legally from the rest of the world at this time. Yes there’s a death penalty, but a lot has to happen before they use it. It is essential to have more than one witness, it has to be intentional, and then it goes before a court. All of this is because “Bloodshed pollutes the land…” (35:33) All of this prevents any unnecessary bloodshed. All life is important and worth caring for!
Pray: LORD help me remember the sacred worth of all your people, and how important and precious they are. LORD our blood should not be shed lightly, help us to all live at peace with one another. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “May the LORD of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation.” (2 Thess. 3:16)