But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
God guards life by law as surely as He gives it by providence: mercy to a wilful murderer is cruelty to mankind. The man who kills in malice or passion must die, even if he clings to the altar; but if God ordains a death by accident, not the slayer's intent, He appoints refuge for him.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 21:12-21
A man who does not lie in wait, who does not will the killing, is another matter entirely. God's providence orders all things, and what looks to us like mere chance is ordered by His will for ends we cannot see. For such a one I appoint a place of safety from the avenger's hand.
AI summary
A man who sells his daughter into servitude cannot sell her onward to another master. Either her owner or his son must take her as intended wife with fitting maintenance for her condition, or release her free at once.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 21:7-36