Most of us know first hand that whenever something bad happens, we need someone to take responsibility. The God who says, "no murder", is also realistic about the fact that accident happens. So he know sets some limits to the "no murder" instruction.
In cases of accidental deaths, the death penalty will not be imposed. Furthermore, there are "safe havens" when the accused will have a safe place to flee to, where he will be given a reprised until the facts of the incident can be sorted out.
But in the case of those who maliciously and deliberately cause the death of another person, the death penalty is imposed.
Notice that hitting and cursing elderly parents warrants the death penalty, as is kidnapping. While the law allows the disciplining of a slave, it protects the life of the slave. And a man that causes a miscarriage does not pay with his life, but he must suffer the same physical damage as the mother.
Write
Think about your faith story: how do you feel about the "death penalty" as you encounter murder in the news?
What do you think about God who demands the life of someone who takes someone else's life? What do you think about the provisions for safe havens and mercy for accidental death?
Who do you know owes someone their life?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your feelings about God's justice. Thank God for his high standard for justice, without being heavy handed and unreasonable.
Pray about the people you know or read about who are victims of accidental and non-accidental deaths. Ask God for the help you need, the reassureance of his presence, and the courage to be an advocate for justice and mercy.
Pray for your friend who owes someone their life Pray for the wisdom and opportunity to walk alongside them to make restitution.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he is passionate about justice and mercy, and the way he uses you to be an agent of justice and mercy in the world.