Exodus 21:13

KJV

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver [him] into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man lie not in wait {H6658}, but God {H430} deliver {H579} him into his hand {H3027}; then I will appoint {H7760} thee a place {H4725} whither he shall flee {H5127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it was not premeditated but an act of God, then I will designate for you a place to which he can flee.

Berean Standard Bible

If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.

American Standard Version

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:13, a pivotal statute within the "Book of the Covenant," meticulously distinguishes between premeditated murder and unintentional homicide. This verse establishes a divine provision for a designated sanctuary—a "place whither he shall flee"—for an individual who causes another's death without malicious intent, particularly when the event is understood as divinely permitted. It underscores a fundamental principle of biblical justice, where culpability is assessed based on intent, ensuring that while human life, made in God's image, is supremely sacred, mercy and due process are extended in cases of accidental harm, reflecting God's perfectly balanced character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Book of the Covenant," found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant"), which immediately follows the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Specifically, [Exodus 21:13](/exodus/21-13 "Exodus 21:13 - Law of Manslaughter") stands in direct juxtaposition to [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law of Murder"), which prescribes the death penalty for intentional murder. Together, these verses form a foundational legal unit concerning homicide, meticulously delineating the severity of punishment based on the perpetrator's intent. This careful distinction highlights the Mosaic Law's sophistication and its commitment to a nuanced understanding of justice, ensuring that accidental acts are not treated with the same severity as malicious ones, thereby laying the groundwork for a just and equitable legal system within ancient Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), legal codes often grappled with the distinction between intentional and unintentional harm, as seen in documents like the Code of Hammurabi. However, the Israelite law, as revealed in [Exodus 21:13](/exodus/21-13 "Exodus 21:13 - Law of Manslaughter"), introduces a unique theological dimension: "but God deliver [him] into his hand." This phrase attributes even accidental events to divine oversight, suggesting that nothing occurs outside of God's sovereign knowledge or permissive will. This theological framing elevates the concept of justice beyond mere human retribution, placing it under God's ultimate authority. Furthermore, this verse lays the conceptual groundwork for the later establishment of "cities of refuge," a unique divine provision detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - The Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Refuge"), which served as designated sanctuaries where those guilty of unintentional homicide could flee to escape the "avenger of blood" and receive a fair trial, thus preventing unchecked blood feuds and upholding a system of due process.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of human life**, made in the image of God ([Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Genesis 1:26-27 - Creation of Humanity in God's Image")), and the gravity of its taking. Secondly, it highlights God's **justice and mercy**, demonstrating His demand for accountability while also providing a path for grace and due process in cases of unintentional harm. Thirdly, the phrase "but God deliver [him] into his hand" emphasizes **divine sovereignty and providence**, asserting that even seemingly random or tragic events occur within God's ultimate knowledge and permissive will. Finally, this passage introduces the foundational concept of **refuge and sanctuary**, a theme that finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Christ as our ultimate refuge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lie not in wait (Hebrew, _tsâdâh'_):** This verb (H6658) means "to chase," "to hunt," or "to lie in ambush." Its negation in this context, "lie not in wait," is crucial, emphatically conveying the absence of premeditation, malicious intent, or a deliberate plan to harm. It signifies that the death occurred purely by accident, without any prior design or hostile disposition on the part of the perpetrator. This legal distinction is foundational to the concept of manslaughter versus murder in biblical law, differentiating an act of malice from an act of misfortune.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430), used here with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God. Its inclusion in the phrase "but God deliver [him] into his hand" is profoundly theological. It positions the seemingly accidental event under the direct oversight and permissive will of the Almighty. This is not to imply divine causation of the accident in a malicious sense, but rather God's sovereign control over all circumstances, suggesting that nothing occurs outside of His ultimate knowledge or purpose. It removes the event from the realm of pure chance and places it under divine providence, underscoring God's ultimate authority over life and death.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** This noun (H4725) refers to a "standing," "spot," or "locality." In this context, it signifies a specific, designated location. The divine promise to "appoint thee a place" indicates a divinely ordained sanctuary, a physical space set aside for protection. This "place" would later materialize as the cities of refuge, demonstrating God's practical provision for justice and mercy within the legal framework of Israel, ensuring a safe haven for those who, through no malicious intent, caused another's death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man lie not in wait,"**: This opening clause immediately sets the condition for the subsequent legal provision. It defines the act as one devoid of malice, premeditation, or any deliberate intention to cause harm or death. The perpetrator did not set an ambush, nor did they harbor any prior hostile intent. This establishes the act as accidental, distinguishing it sharply from the intentional murder described in the preceding verse ([Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law of Murder")).
* **"but God deliver [him] into his hand;"**: This crucial phrase introduces the theological dimension of the event. It posits that the encounter leading to death, though accidental from a human perspective, occurred under God's sovereign allowance or orchestration. The verb "deliver" (H579, _ʼânâh'_) here means "to cause to meet" or "to happen upon." It is not mere happenstance, but an event permitted by divine will. This acknowledges God's ultimate control over all circumstances, even tragic ones, and implies that the outcome is not outside His knowledge or purpose, however mysterious it may seem to human understanding.
* **"then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee."**: This is God's direct promise and legal provision for the unintentional killer. It signifies God's mercy and commitment to justice. Rather than immediate retribution, God mandates the establishment of a designated sanctuary—a "place of refuge"—where the individual can escape the immediate vengeance of the "avenger of blood" and seek a fair hearing. This divine command foreshadows the detailed laws concerning the cities of refuge, demonstrating God's desire for due process, protection for the vulnerable, and the prevention of unchecked blood feuds.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:13 employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as it immediately follows [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law of Murder"), creating a stark distinction between intentional murder and unintentional killing. This juxtaposition highlights the Mosaic Law's nuanced approach to culpability based on intent. **Divine Agency** is powerfully present in the phrase "but God deliver [him] into his hand," which attributes the seemingly accidental event to God's sovereign oversight. This is a form of **Theological Framing**, where human events, even tragic ones, are placed within a divine context, emphasizing God's ultimate control and knowledge. Furthermore, the promise "then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee" serves as clear **Foreshadowing**, laying the conceptual groundwork for the later, more detailed establishment of the **Cities of Refuge** in subsequent books of the Pentateuch, demonstrating God's progressive revelation of His legal and social provisions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:13 profoundly reveals God's character as both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. His holiness demands that the taking of a human life, made in His image, be treated with utmost gravity, reflecting the sixth commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - You Shall Not Murder")). Yet, His compassion ensures that culpability is assessed with nuance, distinguishing between malicious intent and tragic accident. The provision of a "place of refuge" demonstrates God's desire for due process, protection for the vulnerable, and the prevention of unchecked vengeance, thereby establishing a legal system that values life while offering a path to mercy and rehabilitation. This balance underscores God's perfect righteousness, which always tempers judgment with grace, reflecting His desire for restoration even in the face of profound loss and the upholding of communal order.

* [Numbers 35:11-12](/numbers/35-11-12 "Numbers 35:11-12 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Law of Manslaughter and Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:2-3](/joshua/20-2-3 "Joshua 20:2-3 - Command to Establish Cities of Refuge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 21:13, though an ancient legal text, offers timeless wisdom for our understanding of justice, mercy, and divine providence in contemporary life. It compels us to consider the profound importance of intent in assessing actions, not only in legal contexts but in our personal relationships and moral judgments. Just as God provided a physical sanctuary for those who caused unintentional harm, He continually offers spiritual refuge for us in a world fraught with unintended consequences and moral complexities. This ancient law reminds us that even when life's events seem accidental, tragic, or beyond our control, God's sovereign hand is at work, allowing or orchestrating circumstances for His greater purposes. This perspective invites us to cultivate a deeper trust in His ultimate plan, even when His purposes are not immediately clear, and to seek His refuge in times of distress or when we are burdened by our own unintentional failings. It challenges us to extend grace and understanding to others, mirroring God's character, recognizing that not all harm is born of malice and that compassion is a vital component of true justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's distinction between intentional and unintentional acts in this verse inform our understanding of justice and mercy today, both in societal laws and personal interactions?**
* **In what ways might we, like the unintentional killer, need a "place of refuge" in our lives, and how does God provide that sanctuary for us today, both spiritually and practically?**
* **How does the concept of divine sovereignty, even in tragic or accidental events, shape our trust and perspective on life's challenges and our understanding of God's overarching plan for good?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of the Covenant"?**

Answer: The "Book of the Covenant" refers to the collection of laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, recorded in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant"). It serves as a foundational legal and ethical framework for the newly formed nation of Israel, outlining civil and criminal statutes, social responsibilities, and religious observances. These laws were designed to establish a just and holy society, reflecting God's character and His covenant relationship with His people, and providing practical applications for the Ten Commandments.

**How does this verse relate to the later "cities of refuge"?**

Answer: [Exodus 21:13](/exodus/21-13 "Exodus 21:13 - Law of Manslaughter") is the foundational divine command that introduces the concept of a designated sanctuary for those guilty of unintentional homicide. It states, "then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee." This initial command is later elaborated upon and fully implemented with the establishment of the "cities of refuge" in subsequent books of the Pentateuch. [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for Cities of Refuge") provides detailed instructions for their selection and function, [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1-13 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws of Refuge Cities") reiterates and expands on these laws, and [Joshua 20:1-9](/joshua/20-1-9 "Joshua 20:1-9 - Establishment of Cities of Refuge") describes their actual implementation in the Promised Land. These cities served as a crucial legal and social safety net, ensuring due process and protection from blood vengeance for the unintentional killer, preventing unchecked cycles of retribution.

**Does "God deliver [him] into his hand" mean God causes accidents or evil?**

Answer: No, this phrase does not imply that God directly causes accidents or evil. Instead, it speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and permissive will over all events, even those that seem random or tragic from a human perspective. It means that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or allowance. While God does not instigate evil or misfortune, He can permit events to occur, and in His infinite wisdom, He can even use such circumstances within His larger, redemptive plan. The emphasis is on God's oversight and control, ensuring that even in accidental death, the event is not beyond His divine purview and that His justice and mercy can still be applied, demonstrating His providential care over all of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:13, with its compassionate provision for a "place whither he shall flee," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly cities of refuge, established for those who unintentionally caused death, served as powerful types pointing to Christ as our spiritual refuge from the ultimate "avenger of blood"—the just wrath of God against sin and the condemnation of the Law. We, as fallen humanity, are all, in a sense, "unintentional killers" in our Adamic nature, having inherited sin that leads to death ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")), even if we do not always consciously intend to rebel against God's perfect law. Yet, Christ, as the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became our sanctuary, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for both our intentional and unintentional transgressions. He is the one to whom we flee for salvation, finding forgiveness and eternal life in His atoning work on the cross, as described in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Finding Refuge in Hope") where we "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us." Moreover, just as the high priest's death allowed the unintentional killer to return home ([Numbers 35:28](/numbers/35-28 "Numbers 35:28 - Release from City of Refuge")), Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), died and rose again, securing our ultimate release from the bondage of sin and death, allowing us to return to a full and eternal relationship with God ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He is our eternal, unshakeable refuge, providing perfect justice and boundless mercy for all who come to Him in faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 20:2

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

Joshua 20:9

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Deuteronomy 4:41

¶ Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Deuteronomy 19:1

¶ When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;

Deuteronomy 19:13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

1 Samuel 24:10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.