That the blood shed of the innocent beasts in a solitary place, might make them abhor the fact. Or, rough.
Historical and theological verse study from Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 21.
Apply the spiritual lesson of Deuteronomy 21:4 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of Deuteronomy 21:4 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“et ducent eam ad vallem asperam atque saxosam, quæ numquam arata est, nec sementem recepit : et cædent in ea cervices vitulæ :”
“And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley:”
“bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream.”
“The elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the valley.”
“and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley.”
That the blood shed of the innocent beasts in a solitary place, might make them abhor the fact. Or, rough.
Valley. In such places murders are most frequently perpetrated. Hebrew may signify, “a desert,” deep or inaccessible torrent, (Haydock) on the side of which the heifer was to be slain, and its body was then, it seems, thrown into the water. The ancients first washed their hands over her. Thus the victim of malediction against those who break a covenant, is buried in a ditch, or cast into the sea. (Homer, Iliad i.) — Was. Some translate the Hebrew “shall be,” as if the place was to be hereafter considered as unclean and accursed. (Calmet) — The roughness and depth of the valley, denote the hardness of the murderer’s heart, and the depth of his malice. (Menochius) — Strike off, or cœdent, “cut the neck,” (Haydock) at the top, without perhaps separating it entirely from the body. Blood was given for blood, and this was the chief design of the bloody sacrifices. For this reason, the Egyptians impressed a seal on the horns of the victim, representing a man kneeling, with his hands tied behind his back, as if ready to receive the stroke of death. (Plut.[Plutarch,?] Isis.)
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 and detesting of that sin. The providence of God has often wonderfully brought to light these hidden works of darkness, and the sin of the guilty has often strangely found them out. The dread of murder should be deeply impressed upon every heart, and all should join in detecting and punishing those who are guilty. The elders were to profess that they had not been any way aiding or abetting the sin. The priests were 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 utmost 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 not reprove them.