Numbers 35:24

KJV

Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the congregation {H5712} shall judge {H8199} between the slayer {H5221} and the revenger {H1350} of blood {H1818} according to these judgments {H4941}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the community is to judge between the one who struck him and the next-of-kin avenger in accordance with these rules;

Berean Standard Bible

then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances.

American Standard Version

then the congregation shall judge between the smiter and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:24 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic legal framework, specifically detailing the judicial process for cases of homicide within ancient Israel's divinely established Cities of Refuge system. It mandates that the community, represented by its appointed judges or elders, must impartially adjudicate between an accused slayer and the kinsman-avenger, ensuring that justice is administered strictly according to God's established statutes. This verse underscores the divine commitment to due process, the careful distinction between intentional murder and accidental death, and the communal responsibility for upholding righteousness and preventing cycles of unregulated vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:24 is embedded within a comprehensive legal section (Numbers 35:9-34) that meticulously outlines the establishment, purpose, and function of the Cities of Refuge. These cities were divinely ordained havens, providing sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally taken another person's life, thereby protecting them from immediate retaliation by the "revenger of blood" until a fair and impartial trial could be conducted. The preceding verses (Numbers 35:9-23) carefully define the conditions under which a slayer could flee to these cities and critically distinguish between premeditated murder, which warranted execution, and accidental manslaughter, which allowed for refuge. Verse 24, therefore, describes the crucial judicial review, where the "congregation" steps in to determine the slayer's guilt or innocence based on the evidence and prescribed law, thereby preventing uncontrolled blood feuds and ensuring that true justice, rather than mere vengeance, prevailed. This passage forms a cornerstone of Israel's legal framework, emphasizing the profound sanctity of human life and the meticulous nature of divine law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, blood vengeance was a deeply ingrained and often unregulated custom, where the family of a deceased person had a customary right and sacred duty to avenge the death. This practice frequently led to destructive cycles of inter-familial violence and ongoing feuds. The Mosaic Law, however, introduced a revolutionary and divinely inspired system through the Cities of Refuge, which radically regulated and limited this ancient practice. By providing designated sanctuaries and mandating a communal judicial process, God's law sought to elevate justice above mere retribution, establishing a framework that protected the innocent while ensuring the guilty faced appropriate consequences. The "congregation" (עֵדָה, *‘edah*) in this context likely refers to the elders or appointed judges of the community, who would convene at the city gate to hear legal cases, reflecting a structured and divinely sanctioned legal system rather than chaotic mob rule. This system was unparalleled in its time, demonstrating God's progressive revelation of justice that protected the vulnerable and ensured equity, standing in stark contrast to the often arbitrary and brutal justice systems of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for equitable legal proceedings and the profound sanctity of human life. The system ensures that justice is not merely punitive but also protective and discerning, distinguishing between intent in a way that was groundbreaking for its era. Secondly, the verse underscores **Communal Responsibility and Accountability**, placing the solemn burden of administering justice squarely on the shoulders of the entire congregation, rather than leaving it to individual families or private vengeance. This communal involvement was vital for maintaining the moral purity and covenant faithfulness of the nation, reflecting the broader call for Israel to be a holy people, as articulated in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Due Process and Legal Order**, establishing a clear, divinely sanctioned framework for resolving disputes and preventing anarchy. This intricate legal framework, including the vital role of the Cities of Refuge, served as a tangible expression of God's covenant with Israel, guiding them in their journey towards the promised land and establishing a society governed by divine principles, as comprehensively detailed throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _‘êdâh'_):** This term (H5712) refers to a stated assemblage, specifically denoting the official assembly or community of Israel, often represented by its elders or appointed judges. It signifies a formal, representative body endowed with the authority to render judgment on behalf of the entire nation, emphasizing that justice was a communal responsibility and not left to individual or familial discretion.
* **Slayer (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** While the KJV translates this as "slayer," the underlying Hebrew root (H5221) *nâkâh* means "to strike" or "to smite," and by extension, "to kill" or "to slay." In the context of the Cities of Refuge, it refers to the person who has taken a life, whose intent (whether accidental or deliberate) is yet to be determined by the court. The judicial process described in this verse is precisely to ascertain whether the person who "struck" or "slew" is truly a murderer deserving of death or an unintentional killer deserving of refuge.
* **Revenger of blood (Hebrew, _gâʼal_ and _dâm'_):** This phrase combines two key Hebrew terms. *Gâʼal* (H1350) is a primitive root meaning "to redeem" or "to be the next of kin," and thus, "to act as an avenger" (specifically, a kinsman-redeemer). *Dâm* (H1818) means "blood" (as that which when shed causes death) or "bloodshed." Together, *go’el haddam* (the active participle of *gâʼal* with *dâm*) refers to the "kinsman-avenger" or "redeemer of blood"—typically the nearest male relative of the deceased, who had the ancient right and duty to avenge the death. The Cities of Refuge system, as regulated by God's law, transformed this ancient custom, preventing uncontrolled blood feuds by requiring a formal trial before the *go’el haddam* could execute vengeance, limiting it only to cases of proven intentional murder.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term (H4941) refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a sentence, formal decree, or divine law. It encompasses the act of judging, the place of judgment, the legal suit, and the penalty. Abstractly, it signifies justice, including a participant's right or privilege. In this verse, it specifically refers to the divinely revealed laws and statutes outlined in the preceding verses (Numbers 35:16-23) and elsewhere in the Mosaic Law, which provide the precise criteria for distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, ensuring that the verdict is righteous and aligned with God's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the congregation shall judge":** This initial clause establishes the supreme authority and solemn responsibility for administering justice in cases of homicide. The "congregation" (עֵדָה, *‘edah*) represents the entire community of Israel, acting through its designated elders or appointed judges. This highlights that justice in Israel was a communal affair, not arbitrary or individualistic, ensuring impartiality and strict adherence to divine law rather than personal vendetta.
* **"between the slayer and the revenger of blood":** This identifies the two adversarial parties whose claims are to be adjudicated. On one side is the "slayer" (רֹצֵחַ, *rotzeach*), the individual accused of taking a life, who has fled to the City of Refuge seeking protection. On the other is the "revenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, *go’el haddam*), the kinsman of the deceased, who possesses the ancient right and duty to pursue justice for the spilled blood. The judgment is a crucial mediation and determination between these two opposing claims, preventing immediate, unregulated retaliation.
* **"according to these judgments":** This crucial concluding phrase underscores that the verdict is not to be based on human opinion, emotional bias, or prevailing custom, but solely on the specific, divinely revealed laws and statutes. These "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, *mishpatim*) refer to the meticulously detailed legal criteria outlined in the preceding verses (Numbers 35:16-23) and throughout the Mosaic Law, which provide the precise framework for distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, thereby ensuring that the verdict is righteous, just, and perfectly aligned with God's character and will.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:24 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and underscore its significance within the broader legal corpus. The most prominent device is **Legal Language**, evident in the precise, technical terminology ("congregation," "slayer," "revenger of blood," "judgments") and the clear, prescriptive, and authoritative tone. This reflects the passage's function as a formal legal statute, emphasizing clarity, certainty, and divine authority in judicial matters. There is also a strong element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between the "slayer" and the "revenger of blood," which sets up the adversarial nature of the legal process that the "congregation" is mandated to mediate. The entire system of Cities of Refuge, of which this verse is an integral part, functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of divine order, justice, and mercy, where God provides a structured and compassionate way to handle the profound gravity of bloodshed, preventing chaos and ensuring fairness. The concluding phrase "according to these judgments" highlights **Divine Mandate**, underscoring that the entire judicial process is not a human invention but divinely ordained, carrying the immutable weight of God's own righteousness and moral character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:24 is far more than a mere legal technicality; it profoundly reveals God's character and His unwavering standards for justice. It demonstrates that God is a God of meticulous order, who lovingly provides for the administration of justice, ensuring that human life is supremely valued and that due process is afforded to all, even those accused of grievous crimes. This divine concern for equity contrasts sharply with the often arbitrary, brutal, and retaliatory justice systems prevalent in the ancient world. The emphasis on the "congregation" judging "according to these judgments" highlights that righteousness is not an individual burden but a sacred communal responsibility, reflecting God's profound desire for His people to embody His just and merciful nature in all their dealings. This principle extends beyond formal legal courts, inviting believers today to cultivate discernment, fairness, and unwavering adherence to God's revealed will in all areas of life, recognizing that true justice ultimately flows from His unchanging and perfect character.

* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Law for Unintentional Homicide and Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:1-6](/joshua/20-1-6 "Joshua 20:1-6 - Cities of Refuge Appointed and Their Purpose")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3-4 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor and Needy, Deliver the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:24 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary life, serving as a powerful reminder that justice is a divine imperative and a solemn communal responsibility. In a world often marked by hasty judgments, the corrosive influence of mob mentality, and an insatiable desire for immediate retribution, this verse calls us to uphold timeless principles of due process, careful discernment, and impartial judgment. It challenges us to actively consider and embrace our vital role in fostering truly just communities, whether within formal legal systems, in our workplaces, or in our daily interpersonal interactions. We are called to be people who diligently seek truth, who are capable of distinguishing between intent and outcome, and who passionately advocate for fair and equitable treatment for all, especially those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or accused. Furthermore, the passage profoundly reminds us that true and lasting justice is always rooted in God's revealed will, not in fleeting human caprice or emotional whims. Our pursuit of justice, therefore, should always align with His righteous and compassionate standards, reflecting His perfect character of both unwavering mercy and absolute truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of communal judgment in Numbers 35:24 challenge modern notions of individual responsibility for justice and the role of the broader community?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as faith communities, ensure "due process" and foster truly fair judgment in our relationships, our organizations, and our societal structures today?**
* **What profound lessons does God's meticulous concern for distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm teach us about His character, His standards for righteousness, and His expectations for human behavior?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge system?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge was to provide a divinely ordained sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another person. This unique system protected the accidental slayer from immediate retaliation by the "revenger of blood" (the victim's nearest male relative) until a fair and impartial trial could be held before the congregation. It was meticulously designed to prevent uncontrolled blood feuds, ensure due process, and make a critical distinction between intentional murder, which warranted the death penalty, and unintentional manslaughter, which allowed the slayer to live within the designated city of refuge until the death of the high priest, as further detailed in [Numbers 35:25](/numbers/35-25 "Numbers 35:25 - The Slayer's Stay in the City of Refuge").

**Who was the "revenger of blood" and what was their role?**

Answer: The "revenger of blood" (Hebrew: *go’el haddam*) was typically the nearest male relative of a person who had been killed. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this individual possessed the inherent right and often the sacred duty to avenge the death of their kinsman. The Mosaic Law, however, profoundly regulated this ancient custom, preventing it from devolving into an uncontrolled cycle of violence. While the *go’el haddam* retained the right to pursue justice, they could only execute vengeance on a proven murderer *after* a formal trial and judgment by the congregation, as strongly implied in [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger's Role and the Cities of Refuge"). If the slayer was found to be unintentional, the *go’el haddam* was forbidden from harming them within the sanctuary of the City of Refuge.

**How did the "congregation" determine guilt or innocence in these cases?**

Answer: The "congregation" (most likely referring to the elders or appointed judges of the community) would determine guilt or innocence by meticulously hearing the case, carefully examining all available evidence, and receiving testimony from witnesses. The law specifically required the testimony of at least two witnesses for a capital offense, as stipulated in [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Numbers 35:30 - Requirement of Two Witnesses for Capital Cases"). The core of their judgment, as explicitly stated in Numbers 35:24, was to be "according to these judgments," referring to the specific legal criteria outlined in [Numbers 35:16-23](/numbers/35-16-23 "Numbers 35:16-23 - Distinguishing Murder from Manslaughter"). These criteria distinguished between actions that clearly indicated premeditation or malice (e.g., striking with an iron implement or lying in wait) and those that were demonstrably accidental (e.g., throwing a stone without seeing the person). The intent of the slayer was paramount in their righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:24, with its profound emphasis on communal judgment and the divinely appointed Cities of Refuge, finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Cities of Refuge, meticulously designed to protect the unintentional slayer from the "revenger of blood" until a just verdict could be rendered, powerfully prefigure Jesus Christ as our ultimate, eternal spiritual refuge. We, as humanity, are all, in a profound spiritual sense, "slayers" or those who have fallen short, having sinned and, through our rebellion, participated in the spiritual "death" of God's perfect design and, ultimately, in the crucifixion of Christ, the spotless Lamb of God (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")). The "revenger of blood" can be seen as the just and holy demands of God's righteous law, which unequivocally condemns sin and demands a penalty for its transgression. However, in Christ, we find a perfect and permanent sanctuary from this condemnation. He is the one who, by His atoning sacrifice, "takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the slayer remained in the City of Refuge until the death of the high priest, believers find eternal security, complete forgiveness, and liberation from the power of sin and death through the atoning death of Jesus, our compassionate and Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). He has fully absorbed the just wrath of God on our behalf, offering us a permanent refuge from judgment and the condemnation of the law. Our "judgment" before God is now based entirely on Christ's perfect righteousness, imputed to us by faith, not on our own flawed deeds, making Him our ultimate City of Refuge and the one who has fully satisfied all divine "judgments" against us, nailing them to His cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")).

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 20:6

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, [and] until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

Numbers 35:12

And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.