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In biblical terminology, the term "manslayer" refers to an individual who has caused the death of another person, either intentionally or unintentionally. The distinction between murder and manslaughter is significant in the biblical context, with different legal and moral implications.

Old Testament Context

The concept of manslaughter is addressed in the Mosaic Law, which provides specific guidelines for dealing with those who have killed another person unintentionally. The Hebrew term often translated as "manslayer" is "רֹצֵחַ" (rotzeach), which can refer to both murderers and those guilty of manslaughter, depending on the context.

InNumbers 35:9-15, God commands Moses to establish cities of refuge for the Israelites. These cities were designated places where someone who had killed another unintentionally could flee for safety. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.'" (Numbers 35:9-12)

The cities of refuge served as a protective measure, ensuring that the manslayer would not be subject to immediate retribution by the "avenger of blood" (a family member seeking justice) until a fair trial could be conducted.

Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter

The Bible makes a clear distinction between premeditated murder and accidental killing.Exodus 21:12-14 outlines the difference:

"Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. But if he did not intend any harm, and yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee. But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him from My altar to be put to death." (Exodus 21:12-14)

This passage highlights the importance of intent in determining the culpability of the individual. Premeditated murder is met with the death penalty, while unintentional killing allows for the possibility of refuge and protection.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from legalistic interpretations to the heart and intent behind actions. Jesus expands on the commandment "You shall not murder" in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the spiritual and moral dimensions of anger and hatred:

"You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Matthew 5:21-22)

While the New Testament does not specifically address the concept of cities of refuge, it underscores the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, urging believers to resolve conflicts and seek peace.

Manslayers in Biblical Narrative

Several biblical narratives illustrate the concept of manslaughter and the provision of refuge. One notable example is the case of Abner and Asahel in2 Samuel 2:18-23. Abner, in self-defense, kills Asahel during a battle. Although this act was not premeditated, it sets off a chain of events that highlights the complexities of justice and retribution in ancient Israel.

Theological Implications

The provision for manslayers in the Old Testament reflects God's justice and mercy. It acknowledges human fallibility and the potential for accidental harm, while also upholding the sanctity of life. The cities of refuge symbolize God's desire for justice tempered with compassion, offering a means of protection and due process for those who have caused unintended harm.

In summary, the biblical treatment of manslayers underscores the importance of intent, justice, and mercy within the framework of God's law. The cities of refuge serve as a testament to God's provision for both justice and grace, ensuring that even those who have erred unintentionally have a path to safety and redemption.

Psalm LXVI.
... The shedding of the Lord's blood was forgiven themanslayers, not to say, God-slayers:
"for if they had known, the Lord of glory they never would have crucified...

We Shall Now See How the Scriptures Condemn the Amphitheatre. ...
... what a monstrous thing it is, that, in undergoing their punishment, they, from some
less serious delinquency, advance to the criminality ofmanslayers!...

1 Timothy i. 7-May
... "For murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers,
for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liers...

Weighed in the Balances
... and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers
of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers...

Matt. Iv. 1
... shall those just and pious men, who have walked in every virtue, lie in the same
state with adulterers, and parricides, andmanslayers, and violators of tombs?...

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep...
... and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers
of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremongers...

Book I.
... xxviii.15, 22, xxix.5, v.11, 17. Offerings at the feast. Numbers xxxv.13. The
cities of refuge provided formanslayers. Deut. ix.6, xviii.13....

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....

The Doctrine
... and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers
of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, for whoremon.

Manslayers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceManslayers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:9 as knowing
this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but...

Man-slayer (20 Occurrences)
Man-slayer. Manslayer, Man-slayer.Manslayers . Multi-Version Concordance
Man-slayer (20 Occurrences).... Manslayer, Man-slayer.Manslayers . Reference Bible

Ungodly (41 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...

Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...

Lawless (16 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...

Insubordinate (3 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB DBY...

Realizing (7 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (See NAS...

Murderers (9 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...

Man-slayers (1 Occurrence)
Man-slayers.Manslayers, Man-slayers. Manstealing . Multi-Version Concordance...
Manslayers, Man-slayers. Manstealing . Reference Bible.

Mothers (27 Occurrences)
... lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane,
for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, formanslayers, (WEB KJV...

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