Numbers 35:25

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Numbers 35:25

Numbers 35:25 is a crucial verse within the larger discussion of the Cities of Refuge, established under the Mosaic Law. These cities were designated sanctuaries for individuals who had accidentally killed another person, providing a legal framework distinct from intentional murder. Prior to this verse, the text meticulously distinguishes between premeditated homicide, which warranted the death penalty, and unintentional killing. The "slayer" in this context refers specifically to the latter—someone who caused death without malice aforethought. The "revenger of blood" (Hebrew: go'el haddam) was a close relative of the deceased with the legal right and duty to avenge the death. This system aimed to prevent blood feuds and ensure a measure of justice while also offering mercy and due process.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Justice and Mercy in Balance: The verse highlights God's intricate system to balance the demand for justice for the victim's family with mercy for the unintentional killer. It prevented summary execution by the avenger of blood, ensuring a fair trial by the community.
  • Due Process and Community Role: The "congregation" (representing the elders and community leaders) played a vital role in judging the case, delivering the slayer from immediate danger, and ensuring their safe return to the city of refuge. This underscores the importance of communal responsibility in upholding justice.
  • The High Priest's Symbolic Role: The most distinctive element is that the slayer was to remain in the City of Refuge "unto the death of the high priest." The death of the reigning High Priest served as a symbolic atonement or release, marking the end of the slayer's exile and permitting their return home. This unique provision connects the legal system with the spiritual leadership of Israel.
  • Sanctity of Life: Even accidental death required a serious legal and spiritual process, emphasizing the high value God places on human life.

Linguistic Insights

The term "revenger of blood" translates the Hebrew phrase go'el haddam. While go'el often refers to a "kinsman redeemer" (as seen in the Book of Ruth), in this specific legal context, it signifies the family member responsible for executing justice for a slain relative. The phrase emphasizes the familial duty to ensure justice was served. The "high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil" points to the consecrated spiritual leader of Israel, whose life and death carried significant theological weight within the covenant.

Theological Significance and Application

Numbers 35:25 reveals God's meticulous care for justice, even in complex cases of accidental death. The system of Cities of Refuge, with the High Priest's death as the release point, carries profound theological implications:

  • Foreshadowing of Christ: Many commentators see the High Priest's death as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as the death of the Old Testament High Priest brought release from exile for the unintentional slayer, so the death of Jesus, our Great High Priest, provides ultimate liberation and atonement for all who are spiritually "slain" by sin. His sacrifice offers true refuge and freedom from the consequences of sin, allowing us to return to God's presence.
  • Divine Provision for Justice and Mercy: The passage reminds us that God is both just and merciful. He establishes order and offers pathways to reconciliation, even when human actions lead to tragic outcomes.
  • Importance of Due Process: In contemporary society, this verse underscores the biblical principle of fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the need for a just legal system that distinguishes between different levels of culpability.

This ancient law, therefore, is not merely a historical curiosity but offers timeless insights into God's character and His perfect blend of righteousness and compassion, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:7 (5 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 4:3 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 10:22 (3 votes)

    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.