Keraia
Numbers 35

Numbers 35:28

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

Translations

Modern
…because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…because in his city of refuge he should have remained until the death of the high priest. And after the death of the high priest the manslayer may return to the land of his possession.
Latin
Debuerat enim profugus usque ad mortem pontificis in urbe residere. Postquam autem ille obierit, homicida revertetur in terram suam.

Original

Hebrew
English
…because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.

Notes

Numbers 35:26–29

The killer (manslayer) had to stay in a special city (called a "city of refuge") as a consequence for the death he had caused. He had to stay in a city of refuge until he or the high priest died. After the high priest's death, the manslayer could return home, and the avenger of blood could not take revenge.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Avenger of Blood: Scriptures Relating To Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Homicide: Accidental Homicide: Confinement in the City of Refuge the Punishment For Refuge: Cities of from the Avenger of Blood