Numbers 35:10-11

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Numbers 35:11

11. that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares—The practice of Goelism, that is, of the nearest relation of an individual who was killed being bound to demand satisfaction from the author of his death, existed from a very remote antiquity (Genesis 4:14; Genesis 27:45). It seems to have been an established usage in the age of Moses; and although in a rude and imperfect state of society, it is a natural and intelligible principle of criminal jurisprudence, it is liable... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Numbers 35:9-34

Cities of refuge 35:9-34Six of these Levitical towns were also cities of refuge.The appointment of cities of refuge was a divine provision for the safety of a killer who was not guilty of premeditated murder (cf. Deuteronomy 19:1-13; Joshua 20). God had told the Israelites not to murder (Exodus 20:13). The right and duty of man to execute murderers was ancient (Genesis 4:15; Genesis 9:5-6). Ancient Near Easterners practiced capital punishment widely as part of the law of retaliation. The Mosaic... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:1-34

The Levitical Cities. The Cities of Refugie1-8. The Levitical Cities.The tribe of Levi received no part of the land of Canaan as their inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24; Numbers 26:62). By way of compensation they received the tithes for their support (Numbers 18:21). It is here further provided that 48 cities with their suburbs be allotted to them out of the inheritance of the other tribes, for the maintenance of themselves and their herds. The carrying out of this injunction is recorded in Joshua... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 35:10-11

(10, 11) When ye be come over Jordan . . . —Or, Ye are going over the Jordan into the land of Canaan; and ye shall appoint . . . read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Numbers 35:1-34

Jesus Christ Our Refuge Numbers 35:6 I. The Cities of Refuge were so placed, three on either side of Jordan, that they provided the greatest possible readiness of access. The devout imagination has always pictured for the cities conditions almost ideal in character. The gates of the cities, like those of the New Jerusalem, were to be kept always open, both day and night. The refugee, whether an Israelite or a stranger, was safe the moment he entered the gate of the city of refuge. This... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:1-34

THE CITIES OF REFUGENumbers 35:1-34; Numbers 36:1-131. THE INHERITANCE OF THE LEVITESThe order relating to the Levitical cities may be said to describe an ideal settlement. We have, at all events, no evidence that the command was ever fully carried out. It was to the effect that in forty-eight cities, scattered throughout the whole of the tribes in proportion to their population, dwellings were to be allotted to the Levites, who were also to have the suburbs of those cities; that is to say, the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Numbers 35:1-34

11. The Cities of Refuge CHAPTER 35 1. The provision of the Levites: Forty-eight cities (Numbers 35:1-8 ) 2. The cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-34 ) The cities of the Levites were scattered through the land. Genesis 49:7 is therefore fulfilled. The provision of cities for refuge is full of interest. The careful study of the purpose of these cities is recommended. Note especially that they were provided to give shelter for those who had killed a person unawares. The avenger of blood... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:1-34

CITIES GIVEN TO THE LEVITES (vs.1-8) The Levites had no tribal possession, but were to be scattered among the tribes so as to serve and teach the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 33:10). Therefore the tribes were required to give cities to the Levites where they might have tribes were required to give cities to the Levites where they might have land around the cities where they could care for their livestock (vs.1-3). Among these cities six were to be appointed as cities of refuge (v.6), and 42... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:1-34

CITIES OF THE LEVITES , CITIES OF REFUGE We may conclude our exposition of Numbers with this chapter, as the final one contains no difficulties not dealt with in previous lessons, or that are not explained in the text itself. THE CITIES OF THE LEVITES (Numbers 35:1-5 ) As the Levites were to have no domain like the other tribes, they were to be distributed throughout the land in certain cities appropriated to their use; and these cities were to be surrounded by extensive suburbs. There... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 35:9-34

As one and the same subject is continued through these verses, I have not interrupted the Reader in its perusal, until he hath arrived at the close of it, in the end of the chapter. But it will be now proper to make a pause, and to take a serious and leisurely survey of the whole. And first, how sweet and refreshing is it to behold in those cities of refuge, the lively type of our Almighty Refuge, the LORD JESUS CHRIST. What murder have not you and I committed against our own souls, by sin;... read more