And he that stealeth a man, &c.— See Deuteronomy 24:7. This crime was death both by the Athenian and Roman laws. It is difficult to say, why this law is placed between those respecting striking and cursing parents. Some suppose that children, stolen in youth, might, upon returning to their own country, be guilty of the crimes between which this law stands, as not knowing their parents. But as these are single laws, it may be difficult, if not impossible, always to assign reasons for their position and connexion.
REFLECTIONS.—Note; 1. If the murderer will find no sanctuary even at God's altar, surely he should find none elsewhere. Mercy to a murderer is cruelty to mankind. 2. Though the behaviour of an undutiful son under our laws meets not with such exemplary punishment, God will surely take vengeance, either in time or eternity. 3. Nothing is accidental: if a sparrow fall not to the ground without Divine direction or permission, much less does a man.