Topical Bible: Witness by Laying Hands on the Accused

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical law and justice, the act of laying hands on the accused serves as a significant ritual, particularly in the administration of capital punishment. This practice is rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system and is primarily referenced in the context of bearing witness against someone accused of a capital offense.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this practice is found in Deuteronomy 17:6-7 , which states: "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you."

This passage underscores the gravity and responsibility placed upon witnesses in capital cases. The requirement for multiple witnesses serves as a safeguard against false accusations, ensuring that the decision to execute is not taken lightly or based on insufficient evidence.

Symbolism and Responsibility

The act of laying hands on the accused by the witnesses symbolizes their direct involvement and responsibility in the execution of justice. It is a public declaration that they stand by their testimony and are willing to bear the consequences of their words. This ritual act serves as a deterrent against false testimony, as the witnesses must be certain of the accused's guilt to participate in such a solemn act.

The laying on of hands in this context is distinct from other biblical uses of the gesture, such as in blessings, ordinations, or healings. Here, it is a judicial act, emphasizing the communal responsibility in upholding the law and maintaining the holiness of the community by purging evil from its midst.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this practice reflects the seriousness with which God views justice and the sanctity of life. The requirement for witnesses to lay hands on the accused before execution highlights the need for moral certainty and integrity in judicial proceedings. It also serves as a reminder of the communal nature of sin and the collective responsibility to address and rectify wrongdoing within the community.

The practice of laying hands on the accused is a sobering reminder of the weight of justice and the need for truthfulness and righteousness in all legal matters. It calls for a community that is vigilant in its pursuit of justice, ensuring that the innocent are protected and the guilty are held accountable in accordance with God's law.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 24:14
Bring forth him that has cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The First Blast of Tempest
... true or false?' and took the easier course of laying hands on the ... but evidently he
was not there as accused, and probably had come as a witness of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the first blast of tempest.htm

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
... II. Christ's majestic witness to Himself received with a shriek of ... the council to
'show their hands,' and to ... and, so to speak, officially, laying His assertion ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture d/the condemnation which condemns the.htm

Antipater's Navigation from Rome to his Father; and How He was ...
... was occasion for the labor of his own hands, he had ... had done at Rome, Caesar was
a witness thereto, who ... gain to thyself alone this advantage of laying plots to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 antipaters navigation from.htm

On Accusations, and the Treatment of Accusers.
... shall be to him instead of baptism: for by the laying on of our hands the Holy ... them
to their former dignity, holy David is a sufficient witness, who, after ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v on accusations and the.htm

The Gospel of John
... In the remainder of this chapter we witness Christ cleansing ... nothing to the poor
sufferer, not even laying hands upon him ... take Him: but no man laid hands on Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of john.htm

Letter cxlvi. To Evangelus.
... is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of
the ... among you I exhort, who am your fellow-presbyter and a witness of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvi to evangelus.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... of Scotland[230]), to be witness to the laying on of ... the truth was, he was a professed
witness against all ... and delivered a protestation into his hands; and then ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm

Judas Hangs Himself.
... had previously been present answered, "Yea, we bear witness to it ... and Malchus led
him bound by the hands with a ... Balbus, laying his hand on the shoulder of Jesus ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter vi judas hangs himself.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... with Scripture as our guide and Nature as our witness, we must ... the Pharisees and
Scribes were frequently prevented from laying violent hands on Christ ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... possession of an infant, between two beggars laying claim to ... himself probably sought
investiture at the hands of the ... of their power was also a witness of their ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm