Numbers 35 Commentary: Cities of Refuge and the Sanctity of Life
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.
And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:
Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;
And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.
Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.
Numbers 35 delves into God's provision for the Levites, the establishment of cities of refuge, and the critical importance of justice and the sanctity of life within the Israelite community. This chapter highlights God's care for those serving Him, His mercy towards those who commit unintentional acts, and His unwavering commitment to holiness and justice.
Cities for the Levites (Numbers 35:1-5)
While the other tribes of Israel received land as their inheritance, the tribe of Levi was set apart for service to the Lord in the tabernacle. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself. However, they still needed places to live and pasture their livestock. Therefore, God commanded Moses that the Israelites were to give the Levites cities from their own inherited land (Numbers 35:2). This ensured that the Levites had dwellings scattered throughout the land of Israel.
This arrangement was not only practical but also strategically spiritual. By living in dispersed cities, the Levites were accessible to all the people. They were well-positioned to teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD had given (Leviticus 10:11). Their presence served as a constant reminder of God's law and provided opportunities for spiritual guidance and instruction to all the tribes. God cares for those who serve him.
Cities of Refuge: A Place of Mercy (Numbers 35:6-15)
Among the forty-eight cities designated for the Levites, six were to be specifically set apart as cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6-7). These cities provided a sanctuary for individuals who unintentionally killed someone. As the name suggests, they were places where a person could flee until they stood trial (Numbers 35:11-12).
The cities were equally divided throughout the Israelite territory, ensuring accessibility for all (Numbers 35:14). This demonstrates God's concern for justice and His provision for those who accidentally caused harm. The concept of cities of refuge underscores the distinction between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, offering a path to justice tempered with mercy.
Justice and Intent: Murder vs. Manslaughter (Numbers 35:16-29)
The cities of refuge were specifically intended for those whose actions unintentionally resulted in death. There was no refuge for premeditated murder. The punishment for intentional murder was the death penalty (Numbers 35:16). The descriptions provided in this section emphasize the presence of hatred and malicious intent (Numbers 35:17-21). In such cases, the avenger of blood, typically a family member of the victim, was responsible for carrying out justice by killing the murderer (Numbers 35:19).
However, in cases of accidental death or manslaughter—when death was caused without hostility or malicious intent (Numbers 35:22)—the cities of refuge provided a safe haven until the case could be heard and emotions could cool. The assembly of the people of Israel would protect the person from the avenger and judge the case (Numbers 35:24-25).
If the court ruled in favor of the defendant, he was safely returned to his city of refuge, where he was required to live until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25). After the high priest's death, he was free to return home. The death of the high priest had an atoning effect, signaling a cleansing and forgiveness of past sins in the nation and a fresh start for those who had accidentally taken a life.
If the person violated the terms of his house arrest by leaving his city of refuge before the high priest's death, the avenger could kill him without guilt (Numbers 35:26-28). This highlights the importance of adhering to the established laws and the consequences of disobedience.
The Importance of Witnesses and the Impossibility of Atonement for Murder (Numbers 35:30-32)
To prevent miscarriages of justice, the law required multiple witnesses in a murder case (Numbers 35:30). No one could be put to death based solely on the testimony of a single witness. Once murder was established and the guilty party convicted, no amount of money could buy back his life. The only acceptable payment for a murderer was the forfeiture of his own life for the death of his victim (Numbers 35:31).
Furthermore, a person confined to a city of refuge could not pay a fine to cover his penalty and return home before the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:32). This reinforces the importance of the established system and the need for justice to be served.
The Defilement of the Land and the Need for Atonement (Numbers 35:33-34)
The underlying reason for these ordinances is that bloodshed defiles the land (Numbers 35:33). There could be no atonement to cleanse the land except by the blood of the person who shed it. As with any circumstance that resulted in uncleanness or defilement, the reason it could not be tolerated was because the LORD Himself resided among the Israelites (Numbers 35:34). God is holy, and He requires holiness from His people. This underscores the profound significance of respecting life and maintaining purity in the land where God dwells. Numbers 35 highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and holiness in the life of the Israelite community.
Numbers 35 offers timeless lessons about justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His provision for those who seek refuge in Him. Just as the cities of refuge offered a place of safety and restoration in ancient Israel, God offers us refuge and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Let us strive to live lives that honor God and reflect His character of justice and mercy.
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.
And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.
The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:
Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;
And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.
And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.
So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.
Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.
Numbers 35 delves into God's provision for the Levites, the establishment of cities of refuge, and the critical importance of justice and the sanctity of life within the Israelite community. This chapter highlights God's care for those serving Him, His mercy towards those who commit unintentional acts, and His unwavering commitment to holiness and justice.
Cities for the Levites (Numbers 35:1-5)
While the other tribes of Israel received land as their inheritance, the tribe of Levi was set apart for service to the Lord in the tabernacle. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself. However, they still needed places to live and pasture their livestock. Therefore, God commanded Moses that the Israelites were to give the Levites cities from their own inherited land (Numbers 35:2). This ensured that the Levites had dwellings scattered throughout the land of Israel.
This arrangement was not only practical but also strategically spiritual. By living in dispersed cities, the Levites were accessible to all the people. They were well-positioned to teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD had given (Leviticus 10:11). Their presence served as a constant reminder of God's law and provided opportunities for spiritual guidance and instruction to all the tribes. God cares for those who serve him.
Cities of Refuge: A Place of Mercy (Numbers 35:6-15)
Among the forty-eight cities designated for the Levites, six were to be specifically set apart as cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6-7). These cities provided a sanctuary for individuals who unintentionally killed someone. As the name suggests, they were places where a person could flee until they stood trial (Numbers 35:11-12).
The cities were equally divided throughout the Israelite territory, ensuring accessibility for all (Numbers 35:14). This demonstrates God's concern for justice and His provision for those who accidentally caused harm. The concept of cities of refuge underscores the distinction between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, offering a path to justice tempered with mercy.
Justice and Intent: Murder vs. Manslaughter (Numbers 35:16-29)
The cities of refuge were specifically intended for those whose actions unintentionally resulted in death. There was no refuge for premeditated murder. The punishment for intentional murder was the death penalty (Numbers 35:16). The descriptions provided in this section emphasize the presence of hatred and malicious intent (Numbers 35:17-21). In such cases, the avenger of blood, typically a family member of the victim, was responsible for carrying out justice by killing the murderer (Numbers 35:19).
However, in cases of accidental death or manslaughter—when death was caused without hostility or malicious intent (Numbers 35:22)—the cities of refuge provided a safe haven until the case could be heard and emotions could cool. The assembly of the people of Israel would protect the person from the avenger and judge the case (Numbers 35:24-25).
If the court ruled in favor of the defendant, he was safely returned to his city of refuge, where he was required to live until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25). After the high priest's death, he was free to return home. The death of the high priest had an atoning effect, signaling a cleansing and forgiveness of past sins in the nation and a fresh start for those who had accidentally taken a life.
If the person violated the terms of his house arrest by leaving his city of refuge before the high priest's death, the avenger could kill him without guilt (Numbers 35:26-28). This highlights the importance of adhering to the established laws and the consequences of disobedience.
The Importance of Witnesses and the Impossibility of Atonement for Murder (Numbers 35:30-32)
To prevent miscarriages of justice, the law required multiple witnesses in a murder case (Numbers 35:30). No one could be put to death based solely on the testimony of a single witness. Once murder was established and the guilty party convicted, no amount of money could buy back his life. The only acceptable payment for a murderer was the forfeiture of his own life for the death of his victim (Numbers 35:31).
Furthermore, a person confined to a city of refuge could not pay a fine to cover his penalty and return home before the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:32). This reinforces the importance of the established system and the need for justice to be served.
The Defilement of the Land and the Need for Atonement (Numbers 35:33-34)
The underlying reason for these ordinances is that bloodshed defiles the land (Numbers 35:33). There could be no atonement to cleanse the land except by the blood of the person who shed it. As with any circumstance that resulted in uncleanness or defilement, the reason it could not be tolerated was because the LORD Himself resided among the Israelites (Numbers 35:34). God is holy, and He requires holiness from His people. This underscores the profound significance of respecting life and maintaining purity in the land where God dwells. Numbers 35 highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and holiness in the life of the Israelite community.
Numbers 35 offers timeless lessons about justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His provision for those who seek refuge in Him. Just as the cities of refuge offered a place of safety and restoration in ancient Israel, God offers us refuge and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Let us strive to live lives that honor God and reflect His character of justice and mercy.