For a Better Way

The practice of blood vengeance was common in the ancient Near East. Divine law was formulated to control and limit blood vengeance in Israel (vv. 9-34). God’s Word regulating this practice differs significantly from the surrounding cultures. It distinguishes between accidental and premeditated killing. It forbids taking ransom money for the life of a murderer and prohibits taking the life of a murderer’s relative in his place. The difference of practice was due to Israel’s unique view of man as created in God’s image.

These directives regarding blood vengeance are referred to here as a “statue of judgment,” coming from a word meaning “to engrave.” The Word of God comes to Israel by way of a written prescription. The law was not something localized, for it was given to govern and direct their conduct “in all [their] dwellings.”

We can truly be grateful that the revelation of God comes in a permanently accessible form, that is, the inspired written Word so that we are left in no doubt as to what the Lord is saying concerning the conduct of our lives.

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible