Exodus 21:14

But the protection of the altar is not to be extended to the wilful murderer. Cf. Deuteronomy 19:11-13; also the more detailed treatment of the case of wilful murder in the law of P (Numbers 35:16-21).

from mine altar See 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28, which shew that the fugitive would seize hold of the -horns" (see on ch. Exodus 27:2) of the altar, in order to avail himself of its protection. The altar served as an asylum also among the Greeks (Thuc. iv. 98).