But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death. The premeditated murderer finds no sanctuary even at God's altar. The altar, which was a place of refuge in the ancient world, is explicitly not available to the one who has killed with premeditation. 1 Kings 2:28–34 records the execution of Joab, who had taken hold of the altar horns — the principle of Exodus 21:14 in action. The altar is not a magical protection from consequences; it is the place where the righteous approach God. The unrepentant murderer who seeks refuge there is misusing the altar, and the law provides for his removal. The justice of God does not stop at the altar's edge.

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