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Verse Takeaways
1
Intent Defines the Crime
Commentators like John Calvin and John Gill explain that this verse establishes a crucial legal and moral principle: intent matters. Using an "instrument of iron" was considered clear evidence of a premeditated desire to kill. The law wasn't just concerned with the outcome (death) but with the wicked intention in the heart, distinguishing murder from accidental manslaughter.
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Commentaries
4
Albert Barnes
On Numbers 35:16–25
18th Century
Theologian
The meaning is: Since taking another person’s life by any means whatever is murder and exposes the murderer to the penalty of retaliation, if the d…
John Calvin
On Numbers 35:16
16th Century
Theologian
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron. God appears to contradict Himself. A little further on, He absolves involuntary murderers,…
John Gill
On Numbers 35:16
17th Century
Pastor
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die As with an hatchet, hammer, sword, knife, &c.
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Matthew Henry
On Numbers 35:9–34
17th Century
Minister
To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide more effectively for the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased,…