Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Deuteronomy 19:14-21
Witnesses 19:14-21The previous pericope alluded to the need for witnesses, and this one explains their role. A common cause of hostility between individuals that sometimes led to homicide was a failure to agree on common boundaries and to respect property rights (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-26; 1 Kings 22:37-38). [Note: Kaufman, p. 137.] In the ancient world boundary markers protected the property rights of individuals (Deuteronomy 19:14). Many nations as well as Israel regarded them as sacred. Stones... read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 19:19
Ver. 19. Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother— This law is exemplified in the story of Susannah and the elders; for the two elders, being convicted by Daniel of giving false accusation against Susannah, are condemned to undergo the same punishment which they intended against her; ver. 62. According to the law of Moses, they did unto them in such sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour; and they put them to death. By the law of the twelve... read more