Numbers 35:25

KJV

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the congregation {H5712} shall deliver {H5337} the slayer {H7523} out of the hand {H3027} of the revenger {H1350} of blood {H1818}, and the congregation {H5712} shall restore {H7725} him to the city {H5892} of his refuge {H4733}, whither he was fled {H5127}: and he shall abide {H3427} in it unto the death {H4194} of the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, which was anointed {H4886} with the holy {H6944} oil {H8081}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the community is to save the killer from the next-of-kin avenger. The community is to return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he is to live there until the cohen hagadol, who was anointed with the holy oil, dies.

Berean Standard Bible

The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

American Standard Version

and the congregation shall deliver the manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:25 details the legal process for an unintentional slayer within ancient Israel's system of Cities of Refuge. It mandates that the community, or "congregation," must protect the slayer from the "revenger of blood" and ensure their safe return to the designated city. Crucially, the verse stipulates that the slayer must remain within this sanctuary until the death of the reigning High Priest, whose passing then served as the condition for their release and permission to return to their original inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35 is dedicated to the establishment and regulations concerning the Cities of Refuge. Prior to this verse, the text meticulously distinguishes between intentional murder, which warrants the death penalty, and unintentional homicide, for which the Cities of Refuge were provided. [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-15 - The Purpose of Cities of Refuge") sets out the purpose and location of these cities, while [Numbers 35:16-24](/numbers/35-16 "Numbers 35:16-24 - Distinguishing Between Murder and Manslaughter") outlines the criteria for distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental killing. Numbers 35:25, therefore, serves as the culmination of the legal process for the unintentional slayer, defining the duration of their confinement and the mechanism of their release, underscoring the community's vital role in upholding justice and providing sanctuary.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, blood vengeance was a common practice where a victim's family had the right and duty to avenge a death. This often led to cycles of violence and feuds. The Mosaic Law, through the institution of the Cities of Refuge, provided a divinely ordained alternative that mitigated this cycle by offering a legal framework for due process and mercy. The "revenger of blood" (Hebrew: *go'el haddam*) was a specific family member charged with this duty. The High Priest, anointed with "holy oil," was the supreme spiritual leader of Israel, whose life and death carried profound national and theological significance, representing the entire nation before God in the tabernacle/temple.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes within the Pentateuch and broader Old Testament. It highlights God's intricate balance of **justice and mercy**, ensuring that while life is sacred and its taking (even accidentally) has serious consequences, there is also a provision for compassion and due process, preventing arbitrary vengeance. The emphasis on the "congregation" underscores the theme of **communal responsibility** in upholding God's laws and administering justice. The unique role of the High Priest's death points to a profound theme of **symbolic atonement and release**, foreshadowing a greater spiritual reality. These themes are echoed in other passages, such as the detailed regulations for Cities of Refuge found in [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Refuge") and their actual establishment in [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Establishment of Cities of Refuge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slayer (Hebrew, _rotseakh'_):** This term, while often translated as "murderer," specifically refers in this context to one who has caused death, but without premeditation or malice aforethought. The distinction between the intentional murderer and the unintentional slayer is crucial throughout Numbers 35, highlighting the nuanced legal system God established. The *rotseakh* was not to be executed but afforded protection.
* **Revenger of blood (Hebrew, _go'el haddam'_):** Literally "redeemer of blood," this refers to the closest male relative of the deceased who had the legal right and, indeed, the social obligation to avenge the death of his kinsman. The Cities of Refuge system was designed precisely to protect the unintentional slayer from this legitimate, yet potentially hasty, act of vengeance, ensuring a fair trial.
* **High Priest (Hebrew, _hakkohen haggadol'_):** The chief spiritual leader of Israel, uniquely consecrated through anointing with "holy oil." His life was intimately tied to the spiritual well-being of the nation and the functioning of the tabernacle/temple. His death was a momentous event, signifying a change in spiritual leadership and, in this specific legal context, serving as the divinely appointed trigger for the unintentional slayer's release.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood":** This clause emphasizes the vital role of the community (represented by its elders and judges) in administering justice. It signifies that the legal process, not private vengeance, holds sway. The congregation acts as an impartial arbiter, protecting the accused until their case can be properly judged and their status as an unintentional slayer confirmed.
* **"and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled":** Once the slayer's unintentional culpability is established, the community is responsible not only for protection but also for ensuring their safe return and secure residence within the designated City of Refuge. This highlights the concept of divine provision and the community's active role in maintaining order and mercy within the covenant.
* **"and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil":** This is the most distinctive and theologically rich part of the verse. The high priest's death serves as the sole condition for the slayer's release from exile. It is not a fixed term, but a life-for-life condition, linking the slayer's freedom to the life of the nation's spiritual representative. The anointing with holy oil underscores the high priest's sacred, set-apart status and the profound spiritual significance of his life and death.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound legal and theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the City of Refuge itself serving as a powerful symbol of divine provision, mercy, and a safe haven from the immediate consequences of an accidental act. The death of the High Priest functions as a profound symbolic act of atonement or release, marking a divinely appointed end to the slayer's exile. The passage also utilizes clear **legal language** and **prescriptive instruction**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, to establish precise rules and procedures. This legal precision creates a stark **contrast** between the raw, potentially chaotic nature of blood vengeance and the ordered, merciful justice established by God through the community and the High Priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:25 reveals a deep theological truth about God's character: His perfect blend of righteousness and compassion. He is just, demanding accountability for the taking of human life, even unintentionally, but He is also merciful, providing a pathway to protection and eventual restoration. This intricate system underscores the sanctity of human life and the necessity of atonement for sin and its consequences. The High Priest's death, serving as a release mechanism, points to the broader biblical principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")), suggesting a profound link between death, sacrifice, and the possibility of freedom.

* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Unintentional Homicide")
* [Joshua 20:6](/joshua/20-6 "Joshua 20:6 - The Slayer's Return after the High Priest's Death")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient law, far from being a mere historical curiosity, offers profound insights into enduring principles of justice, mercy, and communal responsibility. It challenges us to consider how we balance the demands for justice with the imperative for compassion in our legal systems and personal interactions. The concept of a "city of refuge" reminds us that there are times when individuals need a safe haven, a place of protection and due process, from the immediate and often overwhelming consequences of their actions, whether intentional or accidental. It also highlights the critical role of community in upholding ethical standards, providing support, and ensuring fair treatment for all. For us, it prompts reflection on where we find spiritual refuge and how we might extend it to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of justice and mercy, particularly in cases of accidental harm?**
* **What role does community play in upholding justice and offering refuge in our contemporary society or church?**
* **In what ways do we, as individuals, seek or need "refuge" from the consequences of our actions, both intentional and unintentional, and where do we find it?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the Cities of Refuge?**

Answer: The Cities of Refuge were designated sanctuaries established under the Mosaic Law to provide protection and due process for individuals who had unintentionally killed another person. Their primary purpose was to prevent immediate blood vengeance by the deceased's "revenger of blood" and to ensure that a fair trial could determine whether the killing was accidental or premeditated murder. If found unintentional, the slayer could live safely within the city until the death of the High Priest, thus balancing justice for the victim with mercy for the slayer, as outlined in [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-15 - The Purpose of Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Unintentional Homicide").

**Why was the death of the High Priest significant for the slayer's release?**

Answer: The death of the High Priest served as a unique and symbolic act of atonement that marked the end of the unintentional slayer's exile and allowed them to return to their home and inheritance. The High Priest was the spiritual head of the nation, representing all Israel before God, and his life was intrinsically linked to the covenant and the tabernacle/temple service. His death was a momentous national event, signifying a profound shift or a form of national cleansing, which symbolically "covered" the unintentional shedding of blood, thereby releasing the slayer. This provision underscores the deep theological connection between life, death, and atonement within the Old Covenant, as further detailed in [Joshua 20:6](/joshua/20-6 "Joshua 20:6 - The Slayer's Return after the High Priest's Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:25, with its unique provision for release upon the death of the High Priest, stands as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer found refuge and eventual freedom through the death of the Old Testament High Priest, so too does humanity, spiritually "slain" by sin, find ultimate refuge and liberation through the death of Jesus, our Great High Priest. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") proclaims Jesus as our "great high priest, that is passed into the heavens," who perfectly fulfills all the symbolic roles of the Levitical priesthood. His death on the cross was not merely symbolic but a real, once-for-all sacrifice, providing eternal redemption and atonement for all sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). In Christ, we find our true "City of Refuge," a secure hope and an anchor for the soul, enabling us to "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope")). His sacrifice releases us from the exile of sin and brings us into reconciliation and fellowship with God, allowing us to return to our true spiritual inheritance in Him.

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

Exodus 29:7

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.

Leviticus 4:3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

Leviticus 21:10

¶ And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:28

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.