SEV Biblia, Chapter 21:6
Y todos los ancianos de aquella ciudad más cercana al muerto lavarán sus manos sobre la becerra degollada en el valle.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 21:6
Verse 6. Shall wash their hands over the heifer] Washing the hands, in reference to such a subject as this, was a rite anciently used to signify that the persons thus washing were innocent of the crime in question. It was probably from the Jews that Pilate learned this symbolical method of expressing his innocence.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 6. And all the elders of that city that are next unto the slain man , etc.] The whole court of judicature belonging to it, all the magistracy of it; even though there were an hundred of them, Maimonides 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 Psalm 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - If a murderer could not be found out, great solemnity is provided for putting away the guilt from the land, as an expression of dread an detesting of that sin. The providence of God has often wonderfull brought to light these hidden works of darkness, and the sin of the guilty has often strangely found them out. The dread of murder shoul be deeply impressed upon every heart, and all should join in detectin and punishing those who are guilty. The elders were to profess tha they had not been any way aiding or abetting the sin. The priests wer to pray to God for the country and nation, that God would be merciful We must empty that measure by our prayers, which others are filling by their sins. All would be taught by this solemnity, to use the utmos care and diligence to prevent, discover, and punish murder. We may all learn from hence to take heed of partaking in other men's sins. And we have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, if we do no reprove them.
Original Hebrew
וכל 3605 זקני 2205 העיר 5892 ההוא 1931 הקרבים 7138 אל 413 החלל 2491 ירחצו 7364 את 853 ידיהם 3027 על 5921 העגלה 5697 הערופה 6202 בנחל׃ 5158
