Numbers 35:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

ADONAI said to Moshe,

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the LORD said to Moses,

American Standard Version:

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the LORD^{H3068} spake^{H1696} unto Moses^{H4872}, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 35:9

1. **Themes:**
- **Justice and Sanctuary:** Numbers 35:9-34 outlines the establishment of cities of refuge, which were designated safe havens for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter. This system provided a fair legal process, allowing for a trial to determine the intent behind the act before punishment was administered.
- **Mercy and Atonement:** The provision of cities of refuge illustrates God's mercy, offering protection and a second chance to those who had accidentally taken a life. It also highlights the importance of atonement, as the individual had to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, symbolizing a period of penance.
- **Distinction Between Intentional and Unintentional Acts:** The verse underscores the importance of intent in determining the severity of an offense and the corresponding punishment. It distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental death, emphasizing a nuanced approach to justice.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Mosaic Law:** This passage is part of the Mosaic Law given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It reflects the broader legal and moral framework that God established for the nation of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
- **Wandering in the Wilderness:** The book of Numbers covers the period when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The laws and instructions given in this book, including those pertaining to the cities of refuge, were meant to shape the structure and governance of the emerging Israelite society.
- **Preparation for Settlement:** As the Israelites were on the brink of settling in Canaan, the establishment of cities of refuge was part of organizing a just and orderly society in their new homeland. This reflects God's concern for social order and the establishment of a system that could administer justice effectively.

In summary, Numbers 35:9 is part of a broader passage that establishes the cities of refuge, a unique institution in ancient Israel that reflects themes of justice, mercy, atonement, and the importance of intent. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' preparation to enter and settle in the Promised Land, with God providing Moses with detailed instructions on how to structure their society according to divine law.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1696
   There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָבַר
   Transliteration: dâbar
   Pronunciation: daw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4872
   There are 704 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֹשֶׁה
   Transliteration: Môsheh
   Pronunciation: mo-sheh'
   Description: from מָשָׁה; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver; Moses.
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.