Keraia
Numbers 35

Numbers 35:10

Six Cities of Refuge · Numbers 35:9–34
Read Numbers 35

Translations

Modern
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
Traditional
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
Literal
“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
Latin
Loquere filiis Israël, et dices ad eos: Quando transgressi fueritis Jordanem in terram Chanaan,

Original

Hebrew
English
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

Notes

Numbers 35:6–34

Six of the Levites’ towns had a special purpose. They served as cities of refuge. A city of refuge was a place where a person could run for safety after accidentally killing someone.

These cities show the humanitarian (care for human life) side of Hebrew law (see also Deuteronomy 4:41–43; 19:1–13; Joshua 20).

These six towns offered protection when someone killed accidentally or unintentionally (compare Exodus 21:12–14).

The 48 towns given to the Levites were spread throughout Israel. In the same way, the six cities of refuge were placed in different parts of the land. This made them easy to reach for anyone who needed safety (see Joshua 20:7–8).

Before these cities were established, a person could sometimes seek safety by holding on to the altar. The altar was a place connected with worship (for example, 1 Kings 1:50–53; 2:28–34; compare Exodus 21:14).

Other ancient peoples also had places of refuge. Often these places were connected to an altar (see Exodus 21:12–14; 1 Kings 2:28–34). However, only ancient Israel created entire towns as places of safety. This practice shows Israel’s special concern for justice and the protection of human life.

Theme notes and profiles

The Cities of Refuge The Family Redeemer

Parallels

Deuteronomy 4:41–43 Deuteronomy 19:1–14 Joshua 20:1–9

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Jordan: A river and region, significant in Israel's history

Glossary

Arabah Avenger of Blood Bloodguilt Courts and Trials Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of