Deuteronomy 19:5
Afrikaans 1933/1953
en hy wat saam met sy naaste in die bos gaan om hout te kap en sy hand swaai met die byl om die boom af te kap, en die yster glip van die steel af en tref sy naaste, sodat hy sterwe -- hy moet in een van hierdie stede vlug om in die lewe te bly;
What Does This Mean?
This verse is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites about what to do if an accidental death occurs. It describes a scenario where a person's axe head accidentally kills a friend while they are cutting wood together. The person who caused the accident can flee to a city of refuge to avoid punishment.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing with your friend and something goes wrong by accident, hurting your friend. This verse is like a rule that says if you hurt someone by accident, you can go to a safe place to avoid getting into big trouble. It's like having a 'safe house' when things go wrong accidentally.
Historical Background
Moses delivered this law to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land around 1250 BCE. It was part of a larger set of laws to govern their society. The cultural setting was one where accidental deaths during manual labor were not uncommon.
Living It Out Today
Today, this verse can be applied to situations where someone unintentionally causes harm. For example, if a person accidentally injures another while playing a sport, they should not face unjust punishment but should seek a fair and safe resolution.
Topics
justiceaccidentscities of refugelegal protectionaccidental deathMosaic law
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fetcheth a stroke with the axe' mean?
This phrase describes the act of swinging an axe to cut a tree. In this context, it refers to the accidental slip of the axe head that leads to the unintended death.
What is a city of refuge?
A city of refuge was a designated city where someone who had accidentally killed another person could flee to avoid revenge or punishment until a trial could determine if the death was truly accidental.
How common were accidental deaths in ancient Israel?
Accidental deaths were not uncommon, especially during activities like woodcutting, which involved the use of potentially dangerous tools like axes. Laws like this one were necessary to address these situations.
What if the death was intentional?
If the death was intentional, the person would not be able to seek refuge and would face the appropriate punishment according to the law, which could include execution.