Keraia
Numbers 35

Numbers 35:33

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

Translations

Modern
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And you shall not pollute the land that you are in because the blood itself defiles the land; and for the land atonement cannot be made for the blood that is shed on it, except if by the blood of him who shed it.
Latin
…ne polluatis terram habitationis vestræ, quæ insontium cruore maculatur: nec aliter expiari potest, nisi per ejus sanguinem, qui alterius sanguinem fuderit.

Original

Hebrew
English
Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

Notes

Numbers 35:33

for bloodshed pollutes the land: If the person who caused a death, whether murder or accidental killing, was not treated as the law commanded, God viewed the land as polluted.

Human bloodshed required death as a response (Genesis 4:10–11; 9:6). This rule is different from cases such as Exodus 21:29–30 (see also Leviticus 18:28; Ezekiel 36:17–18; Hosea 4:2–3).

This strong warning about murder shows the great value of human life (Exodus 20:13).

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 Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Expiation Joshua, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of

Topics

Ecology Homicide: Punishment of Murder: Defiles The: Land Murder: God: Requires Blood For National Sins: Defile: The Land Punishment: Death Penalty for Murder Recycling Taking Care of the Earth The Environment