Exodus 21:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The law condemns the killer to death, curbing unchecked arrogance with the promise of an equal consequence, and punishes unbridled anger with severe retribution and overwhelming misfortunes, having thoroughly examined the motives behind the actions of the individual. When an offense is committed willingly, mercy is withdrawn. Furthermore, it does not permit the love among brethren to be disgraced, especially when it is drained through inappropriate timing or directed towards situations where it is least required, as if it were merely indulgence. For it is stated: "If any man, with intent to kill his neighbor treacherously..., take him also from my altar to death."

The primary aim of the Pentateuch, which conveys the words of the Lord, was to educate the people and restore their understanding of truth and righteousness. No other ancient nation had legislation comparable to that of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:8). We will have numerous opportunities to highlight the advanced moral and social development of the Israelites, especially when contrasted with the brutal and fanatical laws of surrounding cultures. In Egypt, a man faced execution for the act of killing a cat (see Diod. Sid. Book I, ch. 83); however, within Israel’s community, the altar of the Most High did not offer protection to a man who committed murder.