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All the elders of that city, who are nearest to the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley;
Verse Takeaways
1
A Solemn Public Declaration
Commentators explain that the elders washing their hands was a powerful, symbolic act. It was a solemn public declaration before God and the community that they were innocent of the murder, had no knowledge of the perpetrator, and had not aided or abetted the crime in any way. This ritual underscored the gravity of taking an innocent life.
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Book Overview
Deuteronomy
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4
19th Century
Anglican
Deuteronomy 21:1–9. UNDETECTED HOMICIDES.
If one is found slain — It is remarkable th…
16th Century
Protestant
And all the elders of that city. The washing of their hands had the effect of further stirring them up, so that they would not rashly decl…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And all the elders of that city that are next unto the slain man The whole court of j…
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Presbyterian
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…
