John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you , etc.] Which otherwise, the person not being found out, and brought to just punishment for it, would devolve upon the whole. Aben Ezra interprets it the punishment of innocent blood, which, by the above method being taken, would not be inflicted on them: when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord ; as it was to observe this law concerning the beheading of the heifer, with all the rites and ceremonies belonging to it here enjoined; as well as every other command, statute, and ordinance of the Lord, which are all right to be done, ( Psalm 19:8).
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 ואתה859 תבער1197 הדם1818 הנקי5355 מקרבך7130 כי3588 תעשׂה6213 הישׁר3477 בעיני5869 יהוה׃3068
