Numbers 35:10-34
– – – – – v. 15, 26-27: The cities of refuge were open to anyone, even foreigners living among Israel (v. 15, 26-27 a). Even the suburbs of the city offered protection. This shows that God offers mercy to all who seek it. v. 16-21, 30-31, 33: The law says that anyone who kills another person on purpose must be put to death (v. 16-21, 30-31, 33 b). There is no escape or ransom for a murderer. The punishment must fit the crime, and only the death of the murderer can pay for the blood that was shed (Genesis 9:6 c). The land itself is polluted by murder, and it can only be cleansed if justice is done. God’s law also says that a person cannot be put to death with just one witness; there must be at least two (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15 d). The avenger of blood, usually the closest relative, had the right to act, but only if the case was clear. – – – – – v. 22-25: If someone killed another person by accident, without anger or planning, they could run to a city of refuge for safety (v. 22-25 e). The person was safe there until a fair trial. If it was truly an accident, he could stay in the city and the avenger of blood could not harm him. But if he left the city before the high priest died, he could be killed by the avenger (v. 26-28 f). This taught everyone to respect life and be careful in all things. – – v. 25-28: The person who accidentally killed someone had to stay in the city of refuge until the high priest died. After that, he could return home safely. This rule gave honor to the office of high priest, and also pointed forward to Christ, who frees us from guilt (v. 25-28 g).
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