Numbers 35:32

And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

And ye shall take {H3947} no satisfaction {H3724} for him that is fled {H5127} to the city {H5892} of his refuge {H4733}, that he should come again {H7725} to dwell {H3427} in the land {H776}, until the death {H4194} of the priest {H3548}.

Likewise, you are not to accept for someone who has fled to his city of refuge a ransom that would allow him to return to his land before the death of the cohen.

Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.

And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 35:32 (KJV)

Numbers 35:32 is part of the Mosaic Law concerning the Cities of Refuge, established for those who accidentally killed another person. This specific verse emphasizes a critical aspect of that system: the impossibility of buying one's way out of the refuge city. It states, "And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest."

Context

This verse is found within a larger section (Numbers 35:9-34) detailing the laws for homicide, differentiating between intentional murder and unintentional killing (manslaughter). To prevent blood vengeance from the victim's family (the "avenger of blood"), six cities were designated as safe havens. The slayer, after a fair trial at the city gate, would reside there. This verse clarifies that no financial payment or "satisfaction" (Hebrew: kofer, meaning ransom or atonement payment) could be accepted to allow the unintentional killer to leave the city and return to his home before the stipulated time.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Sanctity of Human Life: The prohibition against accepting "satisfaction" underscores that human life, even if taken unintentionally, possesses an intrinsic value that cannot be quantified or atoned for by money. It elevates the seriousness of shedding innocent blood.
  • Justice and Mercy Balanced: The Cities of Refuge system itself was a remarkable balance of justice and mercy. It provided protection for the unintentional slayer from immediate retaliation, yet it also imposed a significant consequence: confinement and separation from their former life. This verse reinforces the severity of that consequence.
  • The High Priest's Role: The death of the reigning High Priest served as the divinely appointed marker for the slayer's release. This unique condition highlights the High Priest's symbolic role in the spiritual life of Israel, perhaps even foreshadowing a greater atonement. Joshua 20:6 further confirms this law in practice.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "satisfaction" (Hebrew: kofer - ื›ึนึผืคึถืจ). While kofer can mean a ransom or bribe, in this context, it specifically refers to a monetary payment intended to commute a punishment or obligation. The law explicitly forbids this, emphasizing that the consequence for taking a life, even accidentally, was not negotiable through financial means. This contrasts with other Mosaic laws where a fine or payment might be accepted for damages to property or lesser offenses.

Practical Application and Reflection

Numbers 35:32 offers several timeless insights:

  • Value of Life: It reminds us that human life is sacred and invaluable. No amount of money can truly compensate for its loss, even in cases of accident. This principle should inform our respect for life in all its forms.
  • Consequences of Actions: Even unintentional actions can have significant, life-altering consequences. This underscores the importance of care, diligence, and responsibility.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ: Many commentators see the death of the High Priest as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate atoning death of Jesus Christ. Just as the High Priest's death freed the unintentional slayer from the city of refuge, Christ's death, as our eternal High Priest, frees us from the penalty of sin and the curse of the law, granting us true freedom and access to God's presence. There is no "satisfaction" we can offer God for our sins; our redemption comes solely through His sacrifice.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 4:12 (2 votes)

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • Galatians 3:10 (2 votes)

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • Galatians 3:13 (2 votes)

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • Revelation 5:9 (2 votes)

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Galatians 2:21 (2 votes)

    I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

  • Galatians 3:22 (2 votes)

    But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.