Translations
Original
Notes
Those who heard someone curse against God had to lay their hands on his head. This act showed their innocence by symbolically transferring the guilt (see Leviticus 16:21). It also showed their willingness to take responsibility for the person's death. A single witness was not enough to sentence someone to death (see Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:2–7; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28).
A large group of non-Israelites, including other Semitic people and Egyptians, left Egypt with the Israelites (Exodus 12:38). Among them was a man with an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father. A fight broke out between this man and a full-blooded Israelite. the man who was half-Egyptian verbally cursed the Israelite, using the name of God in a disrespectful manner.
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Blasphemy Courts and Trials Criminal Law and Punishment Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of God, Names of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Naboth Shelomith
Topics
Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation with an Israelite, Cursed God Church: Called the Congregation in the O. T. (K. J. V. And Others) Courts of Justice: The Accused: Witnesses Sometimes Laid Their Hands on the Criminal's Head Evidence: Laws Concerning Hand in Solemnizing Testimony Punishment: Death Penalty for Blasphemy Punishment: Death Penalty: Stoning Punishments: Capital Kinds of Stoning Trial: Before Court Witness by Laying Hands on the Accused