Numbers 35:6-34

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:34

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inherit ,.... By the commission of such atrocious crimes, or suffering them to go unpunished, or by taking a compensation for the life of the guilty person: wherein I dwell ; which is added to strengthen the exhortation, and as giving a reason why care should be taken not to pollute it, because the Holy God dwells there; as he did in the tabernacle erected for him, and in such a peculiar manner as he did not in other lands: for I the Lord... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:11

Ye shall appoint - cities of refuge - The cities of refuge among the Israelites were widely different from the asyla among the Greeks and Romans, as also from the privileged altars among the Roman Catholics. Those among the Hebrews were for the protection of such only as had slain a person involuntarily. The temples and altars among the latter often served for the protection of the most profligate characters. Cities of refuge among the Hebrews were necessary, because the old patriarchal law... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:12

Until he stand before the congregation in judgment - So one of these cities was not a perpetual asylum; It was only a pro tempore refuge, till the case could be fairly examined by the magistrates in the presence of the people, or the elders their representatives; and this was done in the city or place where he had done the murder, Joshua 20:4 , Joshua 20:6 . If he was found worthy of death, they delivered him to the avenger that he might be slain, Deuteronomy 19:12 ; if not, they sent... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:19

The revenger of blood - הדם גאל goel haddam , the redeemer of blood; the next in blood to him who was slain. See on Numbers 35:12 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:30

But one witness shall not testify against any - This was a just and necessary provision. One may be mistaken, or so violently prejudiced as to impose even on his own judgment, or so wicked as to endeavor through malice to compass the life of his neighbor: but it is not likely that two or more should be of this kind; and even were they, their separate examination would lead to a discovery of the truth, and to their conviction. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:31

Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer - No atonement could be made for him, nor any commutation, so as to save him from death. All the laws of the civilized world have either adjudged the murderer to death, or to a punishment equivalent to it; such as perpetual imprisonment, in a dungeon, under ground, on a stone floor, without light, and to be fed on a small portion of bread and water. In such circumstances a man could live but a short time; and though it is not called... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:32

Until the death of the priest - Probably intended to typify, that no sinner can be delivered from his banishment from God, or recover his forfeited inheritance, till Jesus Christ, the great high priest, had died for his offenses, and risen again for his justification. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:33

For blood it defileth the land - The very land was considered as guilty till the blood of the murderer was shed in it. No wonder God is so particularly strict in his laws against murderers, Because he is the author of life, and none have any right to dispose of it but himself. Because life is the time to prepare for the eternal world, and on it the salvation of the soul accordingly depends; therefore it is of infinite consequence to the man that his life be lengthened out to the utmost... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:10

Verse 10 10.Speak unto the children of Israel God appointed the cities of refuge, not only to make distinction between sills of malice and error, but also lest innocent blood should be rashly shed. Thus far we have seen how severely He would have murder punished: but, inasmuch as it would have been by no means just that he, who had not willfully but accidentally killed his neighbor, should be hurried away to the same punishment, to which willful murderers were subjected, an exception is added... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:16

Verse 16 16.And if he smite him with an instrument of iron. God appears to contradict Himself, when, a little further on, He absolves involuntary murderers, although they may have inflicted the wound with iron or with a stone; whilst here He absolutely declares that whosoever shall smite another with wood, or iron, or a stone, shall be guilty of death; but this is easily explained if we consider his meaning; for, after having pardoned the unintentional act (errori,) lest (53) any should... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:34

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:11

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:30

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:31

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:32

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:33

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:16

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands