November 20, 2016 at 3:22 pm

God’s word spelled out a clear path for justice. No guilt would be established through the testimony of one person; multiple witnesses were required. Also, an impartial judge would hear the testimony. If guilt was established, the punishment could be carried out. However like today, people during that time would attempt to evade guilt through deception. The cities of refuge, while providing places for people to plead their cases, could be abused by thw guilty. God instructed that if it was determined the person had lied and deserved death, that individual would be delivered to the avanger to be executed for the misdeed. Christian are called to love and forgive. It is reasonable to struggle with the practice of capital punishment. No matter stands on this issur, however, it is important to recognize that capital punishment in scripture reflects the high value God places on life, and the impotance he places on deterring the injustice and unrighteousness of murder.