Deuteronomy 21:3

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

ከዚያም በኋላ አስከሬኑ ወድቆ ለተገኘበት ስፍራ ቅርብ ሆና የምትገኘው ከተማ መሪዎች ለሥራ ያልደረሰች፥ በጫንቃዋም ላይ ቀንበር ያልተጫነባት አንዲት ጊደር ይምረጡ፤

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a ritual where the elders of a nearby city choose an untouched heifer when a man is found slain. It's part of a larger passage about dealing with an unsolved murder. God is speaking through Moses, emphasizing the importance of justice and purity.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone left a bike behind, and you had to find out who it belonged to. This is like that, but for a big problem. The elders have to pick a special cow that has never worked to help solve the mystery.

Historical Background

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites around 1400 BCE, just before they entered the Promised Land. The Israelites were a nomadic people transitioning into an agrarian society, and the law was a way to maintain social order and justice.

Living It Out Today

Today, if a community discovers a crime, it's like finding an unsolved murder. Local leaders or police must take the lead in investigating and finding justice, ensuring that no crime goes unnoticed or unresolved.

Topics

• justice
• purity
• community
• ritual
• law
• sin

Related Verses

• Numbers 25:8
• Joshua 20:3
• Numbers 19:2
• Psalms 51:7
• Hebrews 9:14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a heifer chosen for the ritual?

The heifer represents a symbol of purity and innocence, used to cleanse the land and the community of the stain of bloodshed.

Who are the elders mentioned in this verse?

The elders are respected community leaders responsible for making important decisions and ensuring that laws are followed.

What does this verse teach us about justice?

It teaches that justice should be pursued even in cases of unsolved crimes, and communities have a responsibility to address and atone for such incidents.

How is this ritual different from other animal sacrifices?

This ritual specifically involves an untouched heifer, emphasizing purity and the unique role of this sacrifice in dealing with an unsolved murder case.