Numbers 35:28 NIV

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:9-34

9-34 To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide the more effectually for the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased, under the title of avenger of blood, (or the redeemer of blood,) in notorious cases, might pursue, and execute vengeance. A distinction is made, not between sudden anger and malice aforethought, both which are the crime of murder; but between intentionally striking a man with any weapon likely to cause death, and an unintentional blow. In... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Numbers 35:9-34

Regulations Concerning the Cities of Refuge v. 9. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, v. 10. Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan, v. 11. then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the slayer may flee thither which killeth any person at unawares, by error, inadvertently, without premeditation or malice. v. 12. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger (of blood), that the... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Numbers 35:1-34

THIRTEENTH SECTIONRegulations for the Levitical Cities and the Cities of RefugeNumbers 35:01And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, 2Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites, of the inheritance of their possession, cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them. 3And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods,... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Numbers 35:16-34

the Penalty for the Murderer Numbers 35:16-34 For murder the penalty was death, Numbers 35:30-31 ; but for accidental homicide there was freedom within the city limits until the death of the high priest, when all these refugees might return to their homes with impunity. The institution of the blood-avenger was almost a necessity in those lands of scattered population and without communal organization. Here, without destroying the practice, it has been placed under careful limitations. We are... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Numbers 35:1-34

It will be remembered that the Levites were not permitted to hold, any inheritance in the land. Jehovah was the portion of their inheritance. Provision was now made for them. Forty-eight cities scattered throughout the whole land were to be the places of their abode. This scattering of the servants of the Tabernacle through the length and breadth of the land was a beneficent arrangement. Nothing is said of religious service to be rendered by them in their own cities. They were rather to go up... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:20-34

Further Examples. Numbers 35:20-21 “ And if he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died, or in enmity smote him with his hand, so that he died; he that smote him shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him.” Here not only premeditated intent as indicated by the instrument used, but also knowledge of the persons involved and the circumstances of the death were taken into account. Was it... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 35:9-34

Numbers 35:9-Nahum : . Conditions Limiting the Privilege of Sanctuary.— Anciently the holiness of a sanctuary extended to all who came in contact with it, so that the right of asylum was liable to be abused; but by this law protection at a city of refuge was to be refused to those homicides who in the judgment of the community, on the evidence of two witnesses, were guilty of murder, as inferred from ( a) the existence of previous enmity or evidence of premeditation, ( b) the use of a... read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Numbers 35:1-34

CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTESThis chapter contains directions for the appointment of (1) cities for the Levites to dwell in; and (2) cities of refuge for the manslayer; and laws concerning wilful murder and unintentional homicide.Numbers 35:2. Suburbs. Keil and Del. “Pasturage or fields.”Numbers 35:3. For their cattle, &c. “More strictly, ‘for their large cattle, for their sheep and goats, and for all their beasts whatsoever they be.’ ”—Speaker’s Comm.Numbers 35:4-5. The directions given... read more