Deuteronomio 21:6

6 »Los ancianos del pueblo tendrán que lavarse las manos sobre la novilla a la cual le quebraron el cuello.

Deuteronomio 21:6 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 21:6

And all the elders of that city that are next unto the slain
man
The whole court of judicature belonging to it, all the magistracy of it; even though there were an hundred of them, Maimonides

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 says:

shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:
in token of their innocence, and this they did not only for themselves, but for the whole city, being the representatives of it; see ( Psalms 26:6 ) ( Matthew 27:24 ) . Some think that this is a confirmation of the sense embraced by some, that it was a strong stream to which the heifer was brought; and there might be a stream of water here, and a valley also; though it would be no great difficulty to get from the city, which was near, a sufficient quantity of water to wash the hands of the elders with. This may denote the purification of sin by the blood of Christ, when it is confessed over him; and shows that priests and elders, ministers of the word, as well as others, stand in need of it; and that even those concerned in the death of Christ shared in the benefits of it.

F24 Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 9. sect. 3.

Deuteronomio 21:6 In-Context

4 La llevarán hasta un valle que no haya sido arado ni cultivado y que tenga un arroyo donde siempre fluye el agua. Allí, en el valle, le quebrarán el cuello al animal.

5 Después se acercarán los sacerdotes levitas, pues el Señor
tu Dios los ha elegido para que sirvan delante de él y pronuncien bendiciones en el nombre del Señor
. Ellos son los responsables de resolver todos los casos legales y criminales.

6 »Los ancianos del pueblo tendrán que lavarse las manos sobre la novilla a la cual le quebraron el cuello.

7 Luego dirán: “Nuestras manos no derramaron la sangre de esta persona ni vimos cómo sucedió.

8 Oh Señor
, perdona a tu pueblo Israel, al cual has redimido. No culpes a tu pueblo de asesinar a un inocente”. Así quedarán absueltos de la culpa por la sangre de esa persona.