Shalom, Mitspacha!
The Price of Life - Mitzvah on Accepting Ransom for an Intentional Murder
“Moreover, you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death.”
- Bemidbar 35:31
Life belongs to YHVH alone. When a life is taken intentionally, Torah forbids any human attempt to buy life back with silver or riches. This is not a heart of cruelty but a declaration that the sanctity of life cannot be reduced to commerce. The land is defiled by blood-guilt, and human justice must not be compromised by wealth or influence.
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of Elohim He made man.”
- Bereshith 9:6
The Torah’s insistence that no ransom be taken teaches us the holiness of life and the sacredness of justice. It is not about vengeance but about honoring the image of Elohim in humanity. When society excuses deliberate murder through wealth or influence, it dishonors YHVH and defiles the land. Only through righteousness and repentance can restoration come.
This mitzvah challenges us to uphold truth and justice even when it is costly. We are called to reject favoritism and corruption, remembering that Elohim judges impartially. Let us intercede for the nations, that justice would once again be rooted in righteousness and mercy. While ransom cannot restore human life in cases of deliberate bloodguilt, the spotless Lamb provides the ultimate redemption for sinners who repent.
Abba YHVH, guard the sanctity of life among us. Let justice be done without partiality, and let mercy find its place where repentance is true. Deliver our lands from corruption and bribery. Give our leaders courage to judge rightly and our communities the wisdom to protect the vulnerable. Teach us to honour life in word and deed, and to walk as stewards of Your breath in every human being. May Your Ru'ach HaQodesh guide us to justice and compassion.
Baruch YHVH.
May YHVH bless you and keep you.
May YHVH make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and give you shalom.
- Bemidbar 6:24-26
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.