Definition: And all the elders of that city, [that are] next unto the slain [man], shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 21:6. It’s a pretty complex and detailed section about how to deal with a serious loss of life – specifically, when someone is killed. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: A Murderer: The verse describes the situation where a man who has murdered another person is brought before God. The City’s Leaders: The leaders of the city (the people who lived there) are responsible for dealing with this tragedy. They’re the ones who need to make a decision about what to do. The Beheaded Heifer: The key part of the verse is that they’re going to wash their hands over a heifer – which is a type of goat. What’s Happening - A Detailed Explanation: 1. “That are next unto the slain man” : This means the leaders are being asked to take responsibility for the person who was killed. They're essentially saying, "We know this person, and we understand this is a terrible loss." 2. “[That are] next unto the slain [man]” : This is crucial. It means they’re directly involved in the aftermath of the murder. They are the people closest to the person who died. 3. “Shall wash their hands over the heifer” : This is where it gets really interesting and symbolic. The leaders are instructed to wash their hands over a goat – specifically, a heifer. This is the core of the imagery. Why a Goat? Goats are considered sacred animals in Jewish tradition. They symbolize purity, innocence, and being cared for. Washing their hands over a goat symbolizes: Protecting the Innocent: They're cleansing themselves of the blood and sins associated with the murder. Care and Respect: It shows they’ve taken care of the remains with respect and dignity – just like they should treat a sacred animal. The Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse isn't about punishment, but about responsibility . It establishes a framework for how the community (the city) must handle the situation of a violent death. It highlights: Justice and Accountability: The leaders are charged with ensuring justice is done. Care and Respect: They are expected to treat the dead with reverence and dignity. Community Unity: It’s a way for the community to demonstrate that they are united in grief and will work together to support each other. In short, it's a complex legal and symbolic instruction about how to handle a tragedy with utmost respect and responsibility. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Provide more context about the historical significance of this passage?