Numbers 35:14-16. On this side Jordan Because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad; and besides, these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan. If he smite him Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice. He shall be put to death Yea, though he had fled into the city of refuge. read more
Cities for the Levites (35:1-34)Levi had no tribal area of its own, but received cities, with surrounding pasture lands, in each of the other tribes. There were forty-eight Levitical cities, the number in each tribe being in proportion to the size of the tribe. This ensured that those responsible for teaching God’s law to the people were evenly scattered throughout Israel (35:1-8).Among these forty-eight cities were six cities of refuge, three west of Jordan and three east. These were cities... read more
person = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . at unawares = by misadventure. read more
avenger. Hebrew. Goel, to redeem, to ransom. First occurrence is Genesis 48:16 ; next, Exodus 6:6 ; Exodus 15:13 . Goel, when used in this connection, means to avenge bloodshed, as here; both were the duties of the next of kin, the kinsman. Our Goel not only redeems us from all evil, but avenges us of all our enemies. Romans 8:31-34 . read more
three cities = Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (Deuteronomy 4:41-43 ). and three = Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (Joshua 20:7 ). These were placed in due order, east and west, in two ranks: Hebron over against Bezer. Shechem over against Ramoth. Kedesh over against Golan. If the Lord enlarged their land, they were to add three more (Deuteronomy 19:8 , Deuteronomy 19:9 ). read more
person = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more
Numbers 35:6-15. And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites, there shall be six cities for refuge, &c.— The cities of the Levites were appointed for this purpose, rather than any other, because they were a kind of sacred places inhabited by sacred persons; and here men might spend their time better than in other places, being among the ministers of religion. These cities of refuge were only for those who killed any person unawares, Num 35:11 i.e. unwittingly, or ignorantly,... read more
Numbers 35:14. Three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities—in the land of Canaan— This appears not to be an equal partition, the land of Canaan being much larger than the territory beyond Jordan; for it contained about three parts in four of the tribes of Israel: but it is to be considered, that the country beyond Jordan was as long as the land of Canaan, though not so broad; besides, God commanded those in Canaan, if he enlarged their coasts to add three cities more besides these;... read more
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
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:12
Numbers 35:12. From the avenger Hebrew, from the redeemer, or, from the next kinsman; to whom, by the law, belonged the right of redemption of the lands of, and vindication of the injury done to, the person deceased. Die not Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place. Before the congregation Before the judges or elders who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were to examine, and that publicly before the people, whether the murder... read more