Deuteronomy 21:1-9

1If one be found slain in the land which Jehovah thy 1God giveth thee to possess, lying in the field, [and] it be not known who hath smitten him,

2then thine elders and thy judges shall go forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain;

3and the city that is nearest unto him that is slain, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer that hath not been wrought with, that hath not drawn in the yoke;

4and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto an ever-flowing watercourse, which is not tilled, nor is it sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the watercourse;

5and the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them Jehovah thy 2God hath chosen to do service unto him, and to bless in the name of Jehovah; and according to their word shall be every controversy and every stroke.

6And all the elders of that city, that are nearest unto him that is slain, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck is broken in the watercourse,

7and shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

8Forgive thy people Israel, whom thou, Jehovah, hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood to the charge of thy people Israel; and the blood shall be expiated for them.

9So shalt thou put away innocent blood from thy midst, when thou shalt do what is right in the eyes of Jehovah.