Definition: And it shall be, [that] the city [which is] next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, [and] which hath not drawn in the yoke;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 21:3. It’s a pretty serious and important verse, and it’s often misunderstood! Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke.” Let’s unpack each part: “And it shall be…” : This sets up a specific action – something will happen. It's like a promise or an instruction. “…that the city which is next unto the slain man…” : This refers to a specific city that was destroyed. The “slain man” is a metaphor for a leader, often a king or ruler. This city was lost because of a conflict. “even the elders of that city shall take…” : This tells us who will be responsible for taking something important. The "elders" are older and wiser people within the city. “…an heifer, which hath not been wrought with…” : This is the key part. “Heifer” was a type of goat used in ancient Israelite rituals. It’s specifically not a regular goat. “Hath not been wrought with” means it hasn't been made or crafted in the way that’s expected. “…and which hath not drawn in the yoke.” : This is the most crucial part. “The yoke” refers to the symbolic rule of obedience and restraint – a system of laws and restrictions. “Not drawn in” means it hasn't been fully understood or applied by the elders. It means they haven’t fully embraced the principles of justice and righteousness that this city was supposed to uphold. What does this verse mean, in simpler terms? This passage is about justice and responsibility. It says that when a city is destroyed (and its leaders are responsible), the elders of that city – those with wisdom and experience – have a duty to take care of something very important: a specific type of goat. Here’s what it highlights: Responsibility: It emphasizes that leadership has a responsibility, not just to rule but to safeguard what is right. Duty: The elders are chosen to handle this task because they possess the knowledge and understanding needed to do so correctly. Preservation of Justice: Taking care of the heifer ensures that the principles of justice and righteousness aren’t forgotten or undermined, preventing a repeat of the destruction. Context is important: This verse often comes before another law about how to deal with the aftermath of a conflict. It's a reminder that even after tragedy, there’s still a crucial role for those who understand and uphold justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you an analogy to help you understand the concept of “not drawn in the yoke”?