Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 35:18 teach about murder?
A: Numbers 35:18 teaches that if someone kills another person intentionally with a deadly weapon (even one made of wood), they are considered a murderer and are subject to the death penalty. This is part of the Torah's strict laws against murder, emphasizing the sanctity of human life.
Q: Why does the Torah specify a wooden weapon in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies a wooden weapon to show that even an object not typically seen as deadly (like metal) can be used for murder if wielded with intent to kill. Rashi explains that this teaches that the material doesn't matter—what matters is the killer's intent and the deadly nature of the act.
Q: How does Jewish law determine if a killing is intentional murder?
A: Jewish law (based on verses like Numbers 35:18 and Talmudic discussion in Sanhedrin) examines the weapon used, the circumstances, and the killer's intent. If it was premeditated with a deadly object (even wood), it's murder. Accidental killings are treated differently (see Cities of Refuge in Numbers 35).
Q: Does this verse apply to courts today?
A: While the Torah's laws of capital punishment remain part of Jewish tradition, the Talmud (Makkot 7a) states that a Jewish court that executed someone once in 70 years was called 'destructive.' Today, without a Sanhedrin and Temple, these punishments are not carried out, but the verse still teaches the severity of murder in Jewish law.
Q: What is the main lesson from Numbers 35:18?
A: The main lesson is the Torah's absolute prohibition against murder and the gravity of taking a life. Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach) explains that human life is sacred because we are created in G-d's image (Genesis 9:6), and this verse reinforces that even 'simple' weapons can be instruments of great sin if used maliciously.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Numbers 35:18) is part of the Torah's discussion of the laws concerning murder and the cities of refuge (ערי מקלט). It specifies that if someone strikes another with a wooden weapon capable of causing death, and the victim dies as a result, the perpetrator is considered a murderer and is subject to the death penalty.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "בִּכְלִי עֵץ־יָד" ("with a hand weapon of wood") that this refers to any wooden object that is held in the hand and is capable of causing death, such as a club or a heavy stick. He emphasizes that the Torah is not limiting this to metal weapons but includes any instrument that can be lethal when used with intent to kill.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Rotzeach 2:2), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on this verse, stating that the death penalty applies only when the act meets specific criteria:
If any of these conditions are not met, the perpetrator may not be subject to the death penalty but could still be liable for other punishments.
Talmudic Discussion
The Talmud (Makkos 7b) discusses this verse in the context of the legal requirements for capital punishment. It clarifies that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר־יָמוּת בּוֹ" ("whereby he may die") implies that the weapon must be inherently lethal, not merely an object that incidentally caused death. The Gemara also notes that the death penalty is only applied after a thorough judicial process with proper witnesses and warnings (התראה).
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 161) connects this verse to the broader ethical principle of the sanctity of human life. It teaches that the Torah's strict laws regarding murder reflect the gravity of taking a life, as every person is created in the image of G-d (בצלם אלוקים). The severity of the punishment underscores the irreversible nature of the crime.
Halachic Nuances
Later commentators, such as the Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz), highlight that the Torah specifies a wooden weapon to include even objects not typically associated with violence. This teaches that the moral responsibility for one's actions applies regardless of the tool used—intent and outcome are what determine culpability.