Questions and Answers
If a person is found slain but it is not known who killed him, who is to become involved in the unsolved murder (Deut. 21:2)?
In the case of an unsolved murder, what were the judges to do (Deut. 21:2)?
In the case of the unresolved murder, what kind of animal were the elders to take (Deut. 21:3)?
In the case of the unresolved murder, where were the elders to take the heifer (Deut. 21:4)?
Signup and view all the answers
In the case of the unresolved murder, what was to happen to the heifer (Deut. 21:4)?
Signup and view all the answers
In the case of the unresolved murder, who was to step forward and pronounce blessings and decide disputes (Deut. 21:5)?
Signup and view all the answers
Who was to declare 'Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it done.' (Deut. 21:7)?
Signup and view all the answers
The rite of the donkey and hand washing that resulted from a case of an unresolved murder was for what purpose (Deut. 21:9)?
Signup and view all the answers
If, in a war, a man wanted to marry one of the captives, he was to bring her home and do all of the following EXCEPT (Deut. 21:12)?
Signup and view all the answers
If in a war a man wanted to marry one of the captives he was to allow her _________ to mourn for the death of her parents (Deut. 21:13).
Signup and view all the answers
If a captive woman was not pleasing to her husband, he was not allowed to (Deut. 21:14)?
Signup and view all the answers
If a man had two wives, one loved the other not, and each bore him sons, the double portion of the inheritance was to go to (Deut. 21:17)?
Signup and view all the answers
The firstborn son was a sign of ________ (Deut. 21:17).
Signup and view all the answers
To whom were the parents to bring a rebellious son (Deut. 21:18)?
Signup and view all the answers
Where were the parents of a rebellious son to bring him (Deut. 21:19)?
Signup and view all the answers
What was to happen to the rebellious son (Deut. 21:21)?
Signup and view all the answers
What was to be Israel's response when they heard of the death of a rebellious son (Deut. 21:21)?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Unresolved Murder Procedures
- In cases of an unsolved murder, judges and elders are responsible for investigating the incident.
- Judges measure the distance from the body to the nearest town as part of the inquiry.
- The elders must take a heifer that has never been yoked for the ritual.
Ritual for Unsolved Murder
- The heifer is brought to a valley with a stream for the ritual.
- Its blood is sprinkled on the elders of the nearest town to cleanse the community of guilt.
- Priests are tasked with pronouncing blessings and making decisions in the case.
Declaration by Leaders
- Priests declare, "Our hands did not shed this blood," to absolve the community from guilt related to the murder.
Purification Rite
- The rite involving the heifer and hand washing serves to purge guilt from the shedding of innocent blood.
Treatment of Captive Women
- Men who wish to marry captive women must allow them a month to mourn their parents' deaths.
- Specific rituals include shaving the woman's head and trimming her nails, while putting aside her old clothes.
Marital Rights and Restrictions
- If the captive woman is displeasing to her husband, he is not permitted to sell her as a slave.
Inheritance Laws
- In polygamous situations, the firstborn son, regardless of the mother's status (loved or unloved), receives the double portion of inheritance.
- The firstborn symbolizes the father's strength.
Handling of Rebellious Sons
- Parents must bring a rebellious son before the elders at the city gate if he does not listen to them.
- The consequence for a rebellious son who persists in wrongdoing is stoning to death, serving as a deterrent for others in the community.
- The community is expected to respond with fear upon hearing of such punishment, reflecting on the importance of obedience.
Summary of Key Roles
- Judges and elders handle unresolved murder cases.
- Priests are central to the rituals for murder and marriage.
- Elders take on leadership roles in community discipline, particularly regarding rebellious children.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of Deuteronomy Chapter 21 with this set of flashcards. Explore the legal and social implications of unsolved murders as outlined in the scripture, and see how well you understand the responsibilities of judges and elders in the community.