124 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Deuteronomy, Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9), Source Book Keys, AMJV DEUTERONOMY | 19:6 anger — DEUT936 The Torah does acknowledge and empathizes... DEUT936 The Torah does acknowledge and empathizes with the anger and feelings of revenge by the aggrieved relatives. First, if the accidental killer ever leaves the city of refuge (illegally, before the death of the Kohen Gadol), then the relatives are allowed to kill him with impunity [this verse]. In addition, after the person has been judged to be an accidental killer and is on his way to the city of refuge, the Talmud understands the great anger of the relatives and is afraid that the relatives may try to kill that accidental killer on his way to the city of refuge. Therefore, the court appoints two Torah scholars to accompany the accidental killer to the city, in case they meet up with the relatives of the victim. As they attempt to calm down the relatives seeking revenge, the Torah scholars attempt to convince them not to act illegally and kill that person then and there (Makkot 10b). When the Kohen Gadol dies after many years and the entire people mourn his death, it is hoped that this public mourning and the effect of time will overcome the relative's desire for revenge. Maimonides explains all of these laws in detail, which demonstrate Judaism's great sensitivity towards the feelings of one who seeks revenge (Maimonides, Hilchot Rotze'ach 5:7-11). Share Print Source KeyAMJVVerse19:6Keyword(s)angerSource Page(s)281 Switch article DEUTERONOMY | 19:4 hated — DEUT935 What constitutes a "foe"? One with whom ... Previous Article DEUTERONOMY | 19:6 blood-avenger — DEUT937 See [[NUM408]] Numbers 35:19 death BLOCH ... Next Article