Numbers 35:20

But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;

But if he thrust {H1920} him of hatred {H8135}, or hurl {H7993} at him by laying of wait {H6660}, that he die {H4191};

Likewise, if he shoves him out of hatred; or intentionally throws something at him, causing his death;

Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him,

And if he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died,

Commentary

Numbers 35:20 is a crucial verse within the Mosaic Law, defining what constitutes premeditated murder as opposed to unintentional manslaughter. It establishes the criteria for intent, distinguishing between accidental death and an act driven by malice or deliberate planning, which would negate the right to refuge in the designated cities of refuge.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 35 that outlines the establishment and purpose of the cities of refuge. These cities were divinely ordained havens for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, providing protection from the "avenger of blood" until their case could be heard by the community. However, the law was clear: these cities were *not* for murderers. Verses 16-18 specify various weapons that, if used to kill, would automatically imply murderous intent. Verse 20 expands on the *motive* behind the act, emphasizing that if the killer acted out of "hatred" or by "laying of wait," it was considered murder, regardless of the specific weapon used. This distinction was vital for the proper administration of justice in ancient Israel, ensuring that true murderers faced the death penalty (Numbers 35:21).

Key Themes

  • Sanctity of Human Life: The detailed regulations underscore God's profound respect for human life and His abhorrence of its unlawful taking.
  • Justice and Accountability: The law provides a framework for rendering righteous judgment, ensuring that those who commit murder are held fully accountable for their actions.
  • Intent vs. Accident: This verse highlights the critical role of motive and premeditation in determining guilt. God's law looked beyond the act itself to the heart and intention of the perpetrator, a principle echoed throughout Scripture.
  • Divine Law as Foundation: The statutes given to Israel formed the basis for a just and ordered society, reflecting God's character and His standards for human conduct.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong terms that convey deliberate malice:

  • "Hatred" (Hebrew: ืฉื‚ึดื ึฐืึธื”, sin'ah): This word denotes deep-seated animosity or hostility, indicating a malicious intent behind the action. It's not a sudden fit of rage, but a settled ill-will.
  • "Laying of wait" (Hebrew: ืฆึฐื“ึดื™ึผึธื”, tsediyah): This phrase signifies an ambush or deliberate plotting. It speaks to premeditation and careful planning to harm another, leaving no doubt as to the killer's murderous intent.
These terms collectively emphasize the willful, intentional nature of the act, distinguishing it sharply from accidental death and affirming the severe consequences for such deliberate actions.

Practical Application

While we no longer live under the Mosaic Law or have cities of refuge, the principles embedded in Numbers 35:20 remain profoundly relevant:

  • God Values Life: The meticulous care taken to distinguish between murder and manslaughter reveals God's high regard for human life. This calls us to respect and protect life at all stages.
  • Motive Matters: This verse reminds us that God examines not just our actions but also our motives. As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, hatred in the heart can be tantamount to murder in God's eyes, underscoring the need for inner purity.
  • Justice and Accountability: The passage affirms the importance of justice in society and the principle that those who intentionally harm others should be held accountable. It reflects a divine standard for legal systems.
  • Confronting Malice: The verse serves as a sober reminder of the destructive power of hatred and premeditated evil. It encourages believers to cultivate love and forgiveness, rooting out any malice that might reside within.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 21:14 (6 votes)

    But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

  • Deuteronomy 19:11 (5 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:

  • 2 Samuel 20:10 (4 votes)

    But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

  • Genesis 4:8 (4 votes)

    ยถ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

  • 2 Samuel 3:27 (4 votes)

    And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

  • Psalms 35:7 (2 votes)

    For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

  • Psalms 35:8 (2 votes)

    Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.