Exodus 21:12-17 E. Capital Offences. This group, varying in form from the main body of the Judgments, is here regarded as a part of the smaller Book of the Covenant (p. 184). The punishment of murder was death (Exodus 21:12), inflicted in Israel, as elsewhere, according to the widespread custom of blood-revenge, by the next-of-kin as avenger of blood (2 Samuel 14:11). For accidental homicide, not distinguished in Homer from murder, a place of asylum, a sanctuary of special rank, was provided (Exodus 21:13, cf. Numbers 35:9-34 * P, Deuteronomy 19:1-13 *, Joshua 20*). But a murderer could be dragged from the horns of the altar (Exodus 21:14, cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28). Smiting or cursing a parent was also (Exodus 21:15; Exodus 21:17) punishable with death, Bab. and Gr. law being less severe; and so was kidnapping, as in Bab., Gr., and Roman law.
Related Commentaries of Exodus 21:12
Exodus 21:12-17
12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
15 And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
17 And he that cursethc his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.