Study note

Numbers 35:15–24

  • The Old Testament clearly distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing (35:11, 22–23; Exodus 21:12–14; compare Numbers 15:22–31). Murder required a penalty of execution, but an accidental death did not. Murder required a penalty of execution, but an accidental death did not.

  • If a person used a weapon, this showed malicious intent (a plan to harm someone).