Numbers 35:15

KJV

These six cities shall be a refuge, [both] for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.

KJV (with Strong's)

These six {H8337} cities {H5892} shall be a refuge {H4733}, both for the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and for the stranger {H1616}, and for the sojourner {H8453} among {H8432} them: that every one that killeth {H5221} any person {H5315} unawares {H7684} may flee {H5127} thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

These six cities will serve as refuge for the people of Isra'el, as well as for the foreigner and resident alien with them; so that anyone who kills someone by mistake may flee there.

Berean Standard Bible

These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.

American Standard Version

For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that every one that killeth any person unwittingly may flee thither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:15 articulates a foundational aspect of Israelite jurisprudence and community care: the establishment and purpose of the six cities of refuge. These divinely ordained sanctuaries provided a critical haven for individuals who had accidentally caused another's death, offering protection from the immediate threat of blood vengeance and ensuring due process. Crucially, the verse highlights the inclusive nature of this provision, extending its protective embrace not only to native Israelites but also to resident foreigners and sojourners, underscoring God's impartial justice and mercy for all within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35 forms a pivotal part of the final instructions given by God to Moses before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. Following the census in Numbers 26 and the laws of inheritance in Numbers 27, this chapter details the allocation of cities to the Levites (Numbers 35:1-8). Within this framework, God specifically commands that six of these Levite cities be designated as cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15). This particular verse, Numbers 35:15, serves as the culmination of the initial command, clearly defining who is eligible for refuge and the underlying reason for their existence, setting the stage for the detailed legal procedures that follow regarding the distinction between intentional murder and unintentional killing (Numbers 35:16-34). The placement of these laws underscores their importance for establishing a just and orderly society in the land God was giving them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood vengeance was a deeply ingrained social custom, where a close relative (the "blood avenger" or *go'el haddam*) was obligated to avenge the death of a family member. This practice, while intended to maintain justice, often led to cycles of retaliatory violence. God's law, as presented in Numbers 35, innovated upon this custom by introducing a crucial distinction between premeditated murder and accidental homicide. The cities of refuge provided a divinely sanctioned mechanism to interrupt the cycle of vengeance, offering a place of temporary asylum until a fair trial could determine the slayer's intent. This system protected the innocent while still upholding the sanctity of human life and the need for justice, reflecting a more nuanced and merciful approach than was common in surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates God's **divine justice and mercy**, demonstrating His meticulous care for human life by distinguishing between intentional and unintentional acts (a theme further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Unintentional Homicide")). The establishment of these cities also highlights the principle of **due process** and the need for fair judgment, ensuring that accusations were properly investigated and adjudicated by the community elders rather than left to immediate, potentially unjust, retribution. Furthermore, the verse's explicit inclusion of "the stranger, and for the sojourner" emphasizes God's **impartiality and inclusivity** under His law, reflecting a radical concept of equality that transcended ethnic or national origin within the covenant community (a principle echoed in [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treatment of Sojourners")). Finally, the very existence of these cities underscores the profound **sanctity of human life** in God's eyes, requiring careful deliberation even in cases of unintentional death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unawares (Hebrew, _bishgâgâ'_):** This crucial term, derived from the root *shagag*, signifies an act done unintentionally, by error, inadvertently, or by mistake. It stands in stark contrast to premeditated or malicious killing. The legal distinction between an act committed "unawares" and one committed with intent was paramount in Israelite law, determining whether the slayer was subject to blood vengeance or protected within a city of refuge. This word underscores the divine emphasis on the heart and intent behind an action, a principle foundational to biblical ethics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These six cities shall be a refuge":** This clause immediately establishes the primary function and divine designation of the cities. They are not merely towns but divinely appointed sanctuaries, places of safety and asylum. The number "six" is specific, indicating a sufficient distribution across the land to be accessible.
* **"[both] for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them":** This phrase highlights the remarkable inclusivity of God's law. The protection offered by the cities of refuge was not exclusive to native-born Israelites but extended equally to the *ger* (stranger/resident alien) and the *toshav* (sojourner/temporary resident). This demonstrates God's universal concern for justice and the impartial application of His laws within the community He established.
* **"that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither":** This final clause clarifies the specific condition for seeking refuge. The purpose of these cities was solely for those who caused death unintentionally, without malice or premeditation. It reiterates the critical legal distinction that separated accidental homicide from murder, providing a clear path for the non-culpable to escape immediate retribution from the blood avenger and await a fair trial.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:15 employs several significant literary devices. The verse functions as a concise legal **Proclamation**, clearly stating a divine decree and its scope. Its structure is one of **Inclusivity**, explicitly listing "the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner," which broadens the application of the law beyond the native population, showcasing God's universal justice. The concept of "refuge" itself is a powerful **Symbolism**, representing safety, protection, and a divinely ordained sanctuary from harm. This symbol foreshadows later theological concepts of God as a refuge. Furthermore, the verse relies on **Legal Language** to define the specific circumstances ("killeth any person unawares") under which the refuge applies, emphasizing precision and clarity in divine law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:15 profoundly illustrates the intricate balance of justice and mercy inherent in God's character and law. It reveals a God who values human life so highly that even unintentional death requires a specific legal process, yet His compassion provides a way for the innocent to find protection from vengeful retribution. This system prevented anarchy and ensured a fair hearing, demonstrating that God's righteousness is not merely punitive but also restorative and protective. The inclusivity of the cities for all residents, regardless of origin, further highlights God's universal concern for justice and His desire for a society where all are treated equitably under His divine statutes.

* [Deuteronomy 4:41-43](/deuteronomy/4-41 "Deuteronomy 4:41-43 - Designation of Cities of Refuge East of Jordan")
* [Joshua 20:1-9](/joshua/20-1 "Joshua 20:1-9 - Implementation and Details of the Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God as Our Refuge and Fortress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:15 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and societies. It first reminds us of the profound value God places on human life, demanding careful consideration and due process even in tragic circumstances. This should inspire us to advocate for just legal systems that distinguish between intent and accident, ensuring fairness and preventing cycles of unbridled vengeance. Secondly, the radical inclusivity of the cities of refuge for "stranger, and for the sojourner" challenges us to extend hospitality, justice, and compassion to all people, regardless of their background or origin, reflecting God's impartial love. In a world often marked by prejudice and quick judgment, this verse calls us to embody God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, creating communities that are truly places of safety and equitable treatment for all who reside within them. It encourages us to be instruments of God's justice and mercy, seeking to protect the innocent and ensure fair judgment in all spheres of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of cities of refuge challenge modern notions of justice and retribution?**
* **In what ways can believers today embody the inclusivity shown by God in extending refuge to "stranger" and "sojourner"?**
* **How does distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm impact our personal interactions and judgments of others?**
* **Where do we find our ultimate "refuge" in times of trouble or accusation?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the cities of refuge?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the cities of refuge was to provide a safe haven for individuals who had accidentally or unintentionally caused the death of another person. This allowed them to escape immediate retaliation from the "blood avenger" (a relative of the deceased who had the right to seek vengeance) until their case could be fairly heard and judged by the community elders at the gate of the city. This system ensured that justice was served without allowing for indiscriminate vengeance, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental homicide, as detailed in [Numbers 35:22-25](/numbers/35-22 "Numbers 35:22-25 - Distinguishing Between Intentional and Unintentional Killing").

**Why were "strangers" and "sojourners" included in the provision for cities of refuge?**

Answer: The inclusion of "strangers" (resident aliens) and "sojourners" (temporary residents) alongside "the children of Israel" underscores God's impartial justice and His desire for all within the land to be treated equitably under His law. It demonstrated that divine justice was not limited by ethnic or national boundaries but applied universally to anyone living within the covenant community. This principle of extending justice and protection to the vulnerable and foreign resident is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, emphasizing God's compassion and the ethical responsibilities of His people, as seen in [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Love the Sojourner as Yourself").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cities of refuge, as established in Numbers 35:15, serve as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the slayer, innocent of malicious intent, fled to a designated city for safety from the avenger of blood, so too does humanity, guilty of sin yet offered grace, flee to Christ for salvation from the just wrath of God. The law could not ultimately provide perfect refuge from sin's condemnation, but Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, became our true and eternal sanctuary. He is the one to whom we "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us," as [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing to Christ for Refuge") beautifully articulates. Unlike the cities of refuge, which were limited in number and required the death of the high priest for the slayer's full release ([Numbers 35:28](/numbers/35-28 "Numbers 35:28 - Release from the City of Refuge")), Christ's refuge is always accessible, infinitely sufficient, and provides eternal freedom through His own death and resurrection. He is our High Priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice grants us not just temporary asylum but complete forgiveness and everlasting life, fulfilling the shadow of the cities of refuge by offering perfect and permanent safety from spiritual death and judgment ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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.