Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 47: Why the involuntary manslayer must flee
Why does he command the one who has killed involuntarily to flee?
Healing their murderous disposition, and teaching that if killing contrary to intention makes one liable to punishment, how much more is killing by intention worthy of chastisement. Besides this he also makes those who cut wood and those who hurl stones more careful, and indeed prepares those who do anything else of this kind to fear and tremble, lest contrary to intention they harm someone nearby or far off. By the flight of the killer he also bridles the anger of the slain person’s kin.
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.