Numbers 35:10-29

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:11

Numbers 35:11. Unawares Or ignorantly, as it is, Deuteronomy 19:4, and Joshua 20:3; that is, besides his intention, having no such design, and no hatred to him, Numbers 35:22. read more

Joseph Benson

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:14-16

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:18

Numbers 35:18. With a hand-weapon It made no difference with what kind of weapon he was killed, whether it was of iron, wood, or stone. If he was killed wittingly and knowingly, it was murder, and the guilty person was to die for it. For though perhaps he had no intention to kill the person, yet he ought to have moderated his passion, and could not be ignorant that such an instrument was capable of inflicting a deadly wound. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:19

Numbers 35:19. Himself shall slay the murderer Le Clerc translates it, It shall be lawful for the revenger to kill him: for it seems to be a mere permission, not a precept. He might, without offence to God, or danger to himself, kill the murderer with his own hand. But if he were not able, or did not choose to do it, he stood bound to prosecute him and bring him to justice. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:25

Numbers 35:25. He shall abide in it Shall be confined to it. Which was appointed, 1st, To show the hatefulness of murder in God’s account, by such a severe punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it: 2d, For the security of the manslayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his living among the kindred of the deceased, might occasion reproach and bloodshed: And, 3d, To teach others to be very watchful over themselves, lest by negligence they should chance to kill any one, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:27

Numbers 35:27. Not guilty Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God. This God ordained, to oblige the manslayer to abide in his city of refuge. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:1-34

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

E.W. Bullinger