Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 21 - Verse 4

When the elders of a city are unable to determine who is responsible for a murder, they must perform a ritual with a heifer. The heifer must be brought down to a rough valley that has not been farmed, indicating that it is untouched and pure. The elders then must slaughter the heifer in the valley as a form of atonement for the unknown murderer. This act symbolizes the community's responsibility for the crime and serves as a way to bring justice and peace to the land. By sacrificing the heifer in the untouched valley, the elders are showing their commitment to upholding the laws of their society and ensuring that justice is carried out, even in cases of uncertainty. This verse emphasizes the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and seeking reconciliation for wrongdoing within the community.

In this verse from Deuteronomy 21:4, the elders of a city are instructed to bring a heifer to a rough valley that has not been plowed or sown. The significance of the heifer being taken to an uncultivated area may symbolize the need for purity and untouched innocence in the sacrificial offering. The act of striking off the heifer's neck in the valley serves as a visual representation of atonement and the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin. The choice of the heifer as the sacrificial animal may also carry symbolic meaning, as heifers are often associated with fertility and abundance in ancient cultures. This verse highlights the importance of following specific rituals and procedures in the process of atonement, emphasizing the seriousness and solemnity of seeking forgiveness and redemption from God.