(The Lord speaking is red text)
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
"'But suppose he shoves him suddenly, but without hostility; or he throws something at him unintentionally;
But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally,
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or hurled upon him anything without lying in wait,
But if he thrust{H1920} him suddenly{H6621} without{H3808} enmity{H342}, or have cast{H7993} upon him any thing{H3627} without laying of wait{H6660},
1. Themes:
- Law and Order: The verse addresses the importance of intent in determining the severity of an offense, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental manslaughter.
- Justice and Mercy: It reflects a system of justice that seeks to be fair by considering the circumstances and intentions behind an act, rather than applying a blanket punishment.
- Sanctity of Life: The verse is part of a larger passage that emphasizes the value of human life, establishing cities of refuge for those who kill unintentionally.
2. Historical Context:
- The book of Numbers is set during the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
- This verse is part of the legislation given by God to Moses for the Israelite community. It specifically deals with the laws concerning manslaughter versus murder, outlining the need to differentiate between intentional and unintentional killing.
- The establishment of cities of refuge (mentioned earlier in Numbers 35) was to provide asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, protecting them from blood vengeance until a fair trial could be held.
- The broader context of Numbers 35:22-23 is the provision of a legal framework for dealing with homicide, which includes the role of the community (the congregation shall judge), the principle of evidence (between the slayer and the revenger of blood), and the process of judgment (the congregation shall save the manslayer).
In summary, Numbers 35:22 is a part of the ancient Israelite legal code that seeks to establish a just and nuanced approach to unintentional killing, reflecting themes of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life within the historical context of the Israelites' formation as a nation under God's guidance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)