Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 21 - Verse 3

In this verse, the law of the elders in the city nearest to a slain man is outlined. The elders of the city are instructed to take a heifer that has not been worked with or yoked and bring it to a valley with running water that is not plowed or sown. There, the elders are to break the heifer's neck as a symbolic gesture of atonement for the bloodshed of the slain man. This ritual is meant to cleanse the city of the bloodguilt and ensure that justice is served for the victim. The use of a heifer that is unyoked and has not been used for labor symbolizes purity and innocence, highlighting the seriousness of the crime committed. This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and the sanctity of life in biblical law, showing the care and consideration that must be taken in cases of violence and wrongdoing.

One notable theological interpretation of this verse pertains to the symbolism of the heifer being used in the ritual for atoning for an unsolved murder. The selection of a heifer that has not been worked with or yoked represents purity and innocence – qualities required for the ritual to be effective in the eyes of God. This act highlights the importance of offering a sacrifice that is unblemished and signifies the seriousness of addressing the sin of shedding innocent blood. Additionally, the involvement of the elders of the city in this process emphasizes the communal responsibility for seeking justice and making amends for such a grave offense. Through this ritual, the elders and the community as a whole acknowledge the sanctity of human life and the need for reconciliation in the face of tragedy. Thus, this verse underscores the principles of justice, purity, and communal responsibility in the context of biblical law.