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.

And they shall be unto you cities {H5892} for refuge {H4733} from the avenger {H1350}; that the manslayer {H7523} die {H4191} not, until he stand {H5975} before {H6440} the congregation {H5712} in judgment {H4941}.

These cities are to be a refuge for you from the dead person's next-of-kin, who might otherwise avenge his kinsman's death by slaying the killer prior to his standing trial before the community.

You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly.

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

Commentary

Numbers 35:12 introduces a crucial element of Israelite law: the establishment of "cities for refuge." These designated cities served as a sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, protecting them from immediate retribution by the "avenger of blood" until a proper legal judgment could be rendered by the community.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses regarding the settlement of the Israelites in the promised land of Canaan. Specifically, it follows the allocation of cities to the Levites (Numbers 35:1-8). The preceding verses, Numbers 35:9-11, outline the general purpose of these cities as places where a manslayer could flee. The system was designed to prevent blood feuds, ensure justice, and distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental killing, reflecting God's order and mercy within the developing nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The provision of cities of refuge demonstrates God's intricate balance of justice and mercy. While premeditated murder was punishable by death, accidental death was treated differently, allowing for protection and a fair hearing. This system ensured accountability without allowing unchecked vengeance.
  • Sanctity of Human Life: The very existence of such a meticulous system underscores the profound value God places on human life. Even in cases of unintentional killing, a rigorous process was required, highlighting the seriousness with which human life was regarded under divine law.
  • Due Process and Fair Trial: The phrase "until he stand before the congregation in judgment" emphasizes the importance of due process. The manslayer was not automatically acquitted but was granted protection from the avenger until a communal, public trial could determine the facts of the case. This prevented vigilante justice and ensured a structured legal system.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "cities for refuge" is miqlaแนญ (ืžึดืงึฐืœึธื˜), which literally means "a place of asylum," "shelter," or "retreat." It perfectly conveys the idea of a safe haven. The "avenger" is translated from go'el haddam (ื’ึนึผืึตืœ ื”ึทื“ึธึผื), which means "redeemer of blood." This individual was typically the closest male relative of the deceased, who had the legal and social obligation to avenge the death of their kin, ensuring that justice was served and the sanctity of life upheld within the family and tribe.

Cross-References & Significance

The laws concerning the cities of refuge are further elaborated in Deuteronomy 19:1-13, which specifies the conditions for their use, and their actual designation is recorded in Joshua 20:1-9. This system reflects God's consistent demand for justice concerning the shedding of human blood, a principle established as early as Genesis 9:6. The concept of a designated "refuge" also serves as a powerful foreshadowing of a deeper spiritual reality. Just as the manslayer fled to a city for safety, humanity, burdened by the unintentional (and intentional) sins of life, finds ultimate and perfect refuge in Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who offers atonement and protection from the ultimate judgment.

Practical Application

Numbers 35:12 continues to speak to us today about God's character. He is perfectly just, demanding accountability for actions, yet profoundly merciful, providing avenues for grace and protection. This verse highlights the importance of fair legal systems and due process in any society, protecting individuals from arbitrary judgment and ensuring that justice is administered thoughtfully. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful metaphor: just as the manslayer needed a physical place of safety, we, as sinners, need a spiritual refuge. That refuge is found in Christ, who offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal safety from the consequences of sin to all who flee to Him in faith.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 20:3 (4 votes)

    That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

  • Joshua 20:6 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 19:6 (4 votes)

    Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he [was] not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.

  • Joshua 20:9 (3 votes)

    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 19:11 (2 votes)

    But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:

  • Deuteronomy 19:12 (2 votes)

    Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.

  • Numbers 35:19 (2 votes)

    The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.