When did you last use the word “accident” to excuse yourself from liability? Can you remember? Were you accidentally tardy? Did you accidentally dent your car? Accidentally neglect an assignment?
How often I screamed as a child: “BUT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!” I knew accidents were not punished the way intentional acts were. If you meant to do it, then you have done something evil and cold-blooded. But if it was an accident, you are less guilty. You may have been careless or negligent, but you did not intend the bad result—it happened “on accident.”
One way we know the heart of God is merciful and compassionate concerns the distinction between murder and manslaughter. God recognizes that accidents happen. So he commands Israel to designate six “CITIES OF REFUGE” where a man can go when his accident has caused another man’s death. Accidental deaths are rare, but God made elaborate plans to address them, even providing examples: if two men are cutting trees in a forest and an ax head comes loose and kills one man, the other can escape to the nearest city of refuge and defend himself there in a trial. Had there been no such city, a member of the victim’s family might otherwise chase down the “killer” and kill him for revenge.
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. Such cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood….” Joshua 20:1-3.
God did not have to make provision for accidents. He could have said all killings are the same, regardless of intent. But he is a God of both holy justice and great mercy. God forbid we ever be responsible for an accidental death, but we have all been responsible for accidents, and God understands that accidents happen. He does not hold you criminally responsible. Praise God for his mercy and compassion.
God, give us more insight to understand how your word applies even to our government and our legal system!
ΑΩ
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