Deuteronomy 21:1-23

Expiation of Undetected Homicide. Marriage of Captive Women. Punishment of a Rebellious Son

The last sub-section of the Second Discourse begins here, containing a variety of social and domestic regulations.

1-9. The Expiation of Undetected Homicide. The cases of accidental and open, wilful murder have been already provided for in Deuteronomy 19. This passage treats the case of undetected homicide. Murder pollutes the land and must be expiated. When the murderer cannot be discovered the responsibility of making atonement rests with the city nearest to the scene of the crime. For the ancient Babylonian practice in such circumstances see art. 'Laws of Hammurabi.'