Sotah 9:6-7

Sotah 9:6

The city elders wash their hands with water in the place where the calf’s neck was broken. They declare that their hands did not shed the deceased’s blood, nor did they witness it. Would one really suspect the elders of committing the murder? Rather, it means that they did not deny the deceased traveler food or an escort. The kohanim say, “Forgive Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, Hashem, and do not place innocent blood on Your people Israel.” They did not say “the blood will be forgiven them” (which is the conclusion of the verse). Rather, the Torah informs us that when they do this, they will be forgiven.

Sotah 9:7

If the deceased’s murderer is found before the calf’s neck is broken, it goes out to graze with its herd. Once the calf’s neck is broken, it must be buried in that location because it came to atone for a doubtful situation, which it did. If the murderer is found after the calf’s neck is broken, he is still liable to execution.