Quote:
Originally Posted by EpicurusGeorge
If that's the case what do you make of this:
Exodus 21:20-21 (King James Version)
20And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.
21Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
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This verse offers no prescription for who is to punish the man, by what means he is to be found guilty or innocent, nor by what means he will be punished. All it states is that he WILL be punished.
Further, look at verses 12-14:
12 He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.
13 However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
14 But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die.
The punishment is exile; the same punishment exerted upon Cain for the slaughter of Abel. This punishment makes a man a wanderer subject to the beasts, elements, and vagabonds so that he may die by God's exertion rather than the vengeful spirit of his former people.
Edit: Wanted to add; if you are using an internet source, they have a misstatement. The last word of verse 21 means 'property', referring to the slave being the property of the assailant.