Numbers 35:30, commentary and pictures

The murderer is to be put to death on the mouth of witnesses, but one witness alone is never to testify against any person to cause him to die. One witness is never enough to condemn, even when strong circumstantial evidence stands against the accused. A single man may be swayed by prejudice, selfishness, malice, personal enmity, or prospect of personal advantage, and through wealth or power men corrupt judges, preserve violent men by bribery, and bring false witness to ruin and condemn the innocent. Two or more persons are not likely to unite in false witness, and separate examination will discover the truth.

The rule is wise and just, protecting the accused from wrongful condemnation while still allowing the guilty murderer to be punished after a fair trial. It exists because innocent human life, given by God alone, must be sacredly guarded. When guilt is proved by witnesses, murder must be severely punished with death, with no atonement or ransom to rescue the guilty, however distinguished his position, because the safety and purity of the nation demand it. The blood of the victim cries to God for vengeance on the murderer and on all who shield him, and whoever excuses known guilt partakes of that sin and will suffer the wrath of God.

The same requirement teaches that disputed questions and important matters must not be settled or controlled by one person's view, judgment, or testimony, and one person's testimony alone shall neither acquit nor condemn. This requirement continues for the people of God until the close of time, having been given through Moses and repeated for dealing with the erring. In all such matters two or more must be associated and bear responsibility together in mutual subjection, and ministers must confer together with mutual consideration and respect, which gives dignity to the ministry and unites in love and harmony.