Numbers 35:19

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

The revenger {H1350} of blood {H1818} himself shall slay {H4191} the murderer {H7523}: when he meeteth {H6293} him, he {H1931} shall slay {H4191} him.

The next-of-kin avenger is to put the murderer to death himself - upon meeting him, he is to put him to death.

The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him.

The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meeteth him, he shall put him to death.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 35:19 is part of a larger section (Numbers 35) that outlines the detailed laws concerning homicide and the establishment of the cities of refuge in ancient Israel. This system was divinely ordained to regulate justice in a society where tribal vengeance, often carried out by the "revenger of blood," was a customary response to killing. The primary purpose of these laws was to differentiate between intentional murder and accidental killing (manslaughter), ensuring that appropriate justice was meted out without leading to uncontrolled blood feuds.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This verse underscores God's demand for justice regarding the taking of human life. It articulates the principle of lex talionis (law of retaliation) โ€“ specifically, "life for life" โ€“ when it comes to intentional murder. The death penalty for murder was divinely mandated, reflecting the high value God places on human life, which is made in His image (Genesis 9:6).
  • The Role of the Go'el Haddam (Revenger of Blood): The "revenger of blood" was a close relative of the slain person, legally authorized to pursue and execute the proven murderer. This system regulated what might otherwise be chaotic blood feuds, ensuring that retribution was carried out by a designated individual under specific legal guidelines, rather than by any member of the grieving family.
  • Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter: Crucially, the entire system in Numbers 35, including this verse, hinges on the clear distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing. The go'el haddam was empowered to act only when intent to kill was proven. For accidental killings, the cities of refuge offered asylum until the death of the high priest, preventing immediate retribution.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "revenger of blood" is ื’ึนึผืึตืœ ื”ึทื“ึธึผื (go'el haddam). The term go'el is significant; it refers to a kinsman-redeemer, one who has the right and responsibility to protect the family's interests, including reclaiming property, redeeming a relative from slavery, or, in this context, avenging the death of a family member. This highlights the familial and communal aspect of justice in ancient Israel, where the family unit played a crucial role in upholding the law.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of a "revenger of blood" is not applicable in modern legal systems, the underlying principles of Numbers 35:19 remain profound. This verse teaches us about:

  • The Sanctity of Life: God views human life as sacred, and its unlawful taking is a grave offense demanding justice. This divine perspective on life's value is foundational.
  • The Importance of Justice: God is a God of justice, and He expects justice to be pursued in human societies. Even in ancient Israel, justice was not left to arbitrary personal vengeance but was structured by divine law and communal responsibility.
  • The Need for Due Process: The broader context of Numbers 35 emphasizes the need for careful investigation and clear evidence to distinguish between intentional murder and accidental death, reflecting a rudimentary form of due process essential for fair judgment. Modern legal systems, while different in form, still grapple with these fundamental questions of justice and intent, echoing the principles laid out in these ancient laws.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 20:5 (3 votes)

    And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

  • Numbers 35:21 (3 votes)

    Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote [him] shall surely be put to death; [for] he [is] a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.

  • Deuteronomy 19:6 (3 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 20:3 (3 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.

  • Deuteronomy 19:12 (3 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 35:27 (2 votes)

    And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

  • Numbers 35:12 (2 votes)

    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.