| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Deuteronomy 19-21
Observation & Interpretation
Chapters 19 through 21 continues in the giving of the law of God through Moses. In chapter 21, we read of how to handle a case in which someone was found slain but the murderer was unknown. The elders of the city nearest to the slain man were to take a heifer that had never been worked and break its neck there in the valley. They were then to wash their hands over the heifer and testify that they neither shed the man’s blood nor saw who did, pleading with the LORD to accept atonement and be purged of guilt.
Application
This may seem as an elaborate ritual in achieving atonement for the people, but it demonstrates for us the just nature of God. Despite not knowing the perpetrator of the murder, a heifer still needed to be sacrificed in order to be cleansed of blood guilt. Reading this brings to mind Hebrews 9:22, which says, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” The only way we can be redeemed in such a way as to wash us clean of our sin and its consequence is through a worthy sacrifice. The blood of bulls and goats or even another human cannot achieve this fully and finally. Praise be to our Father in heaven who sent His only Son be slain in our stead, cleansing us by His blood, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved and rising in victory over death that we may be joined to Him in new life.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
