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and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer`s neck there in the valley.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Symbolic Atonement
Commentators explain the deep symbolism of the ritual. An unworked heifer (which has not 'borne fruit') is killed in an uncultivated valley (a place that yields no fruit). This was seen as a symbolic atonement for the murder of a person who was prevented from living a fruitful life. The ritual's location and victim were not random but were meant to reflect the tragedy of the crime.
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Book Overview
Deuteronomy
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
Eared - that is, plowed; compare Genesis 45:6 note and references. The word is derived from the Latin, and is in frequent use by English wri…
19th Century
Anglican
Deuteronomy 21:1–9. UNDETECTED HOMICIDES.
If one is found slain — It is remarkable th…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
The elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a rough valley Cities being ge…
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If a murderer could not be discovered, a solemn ceremony is prescribed for removing the guilt from the land, as an expression of dread and detestat…
