Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Wilful murder was distinguished from accidental homicide, and was invariably visited with capital punishment (Num. 35:16, 18, 21, 31; Lev. 24:17). This law in its principle is founded on the fact of man's having been made in the likeness of God (Gen. 9:5, 6; Jn. 8:44; 1 Jn. 3:12, 15). The Mosiac law prohibited any compensation for murder or the reprieve of the murderer (Ex. 21:12, 14; Dt. 19:11, 13; 2 Sam. 17:25, 20:10). Two witnesses were required in any capital case (Num. 35:19-30; Dt. 17:6-12). If the murderer could not be discovered, the city nearest the scene of the murder was required to make expiation for the crime committed (Dt. 21:1-9). These offences also were to be punished with death,