But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly reveals that "chance" is God's providence at work, not random luck. When someone kills another unintentionally, it's framed not just as an accident, but as God sovereignly allowing the circumstances to unfold, necessitating a place of refuge. This highlights God's deep care for justice and protection even in unforeseen tragedies.
But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a legal section detailing responsibilities and consequences for actions that cause harm. It distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, offering a provision for those who unintentionally cause someone's death. This sets up the later, more detailed laws about cities of refuge, where someone fleeing a death they didn't intend could find safety from the avenger of blood.
Ever had an accident where things just went wrong, even though you didn't mean for them to? This verse speaks to that exact situation.
In ancient Israel, the distinction between killing someone on purpose and accidentally was incredibly important. This verse highlights that God’s law recognizes this difference.
Intent Matters
This is different from a planned murder. The focus here is on the lack of intent to kill, even if a life was tragically lost.
When life takes a tragic turn, where can someone run? God's ancient law offered a surprising solution.
This verse introduces a critical element: the provision of a place of refuge. This wasn't just a legal loophole; it was a divine mandate for protection.
The Asylum God Appoints
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
arab · Hebrew Verb (Qal)
A state of premeditated murder or an ambush designed to kill, standing in contrast to accidental or unintentional homicide. It denotes malice and deliberate planning.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The sovereign orchestration or allowance by God of circumstances beyond human control. It acknowledges God's ultimate authority over life and death even in tragic accidents.
maqom · Hebrew Noun
Designated sanctuaries or locations established by God where a person guilty of unintentional manslaughter could seek safety from the avenger of blood.
This passage directly details the appointment of cities of refuge for the manslayer, expanding on the initial concept introduced in Exodus 21:13.
Deuteronomy 19:5Similar to Numbers, Deuteronomy explains the purpose and function of these cities of refuge, emphasizing their role in protecting unintentional killers from the avenger of blood.
Joshua 20:2This chapter recounts the actual designation and setting apart of the cities of refuge, showing the fulfillment of God's command established in Exodus.
1 Kings 1:50This account shows Adonijah fleeing to the altar for refuge, illustrating the concept of a sanctuary, though in this case for a guilty party seeking to escape justice rather than an unintentional killer.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage speaks of fleeing for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us in Christ, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical refuge provided in the Old Testament.
pulpitExodus 21:13: "And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee."
Verse 13. - God deliver him into his hand. This does not seem to mean more than, "if he chance upon him without seeking him." God' s providence does in fact bring about the meetings which men call accidental. I will appoint thee a place. When we first hear of the actual appointment, the number of the places was six - three on either side of Jordan. (See Joshua…
pooleExodus 21:13: "And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee."
If it appear that the manslayer did not intend nor desire it, but only it fell out by his heedlessness, or by some casualty, or by some unexpected providence; or, God, and not man, God without the man’s contrivance or design; for otherwise, in a general sense and way, God delivered Christ into the hands of Judas and the Jews, who did advisedly and maliciously…
This verse subtly reveals that "chance" is God's providence at work, not random luck. When someone kills another unintentionally, it's framed not just as an accident, but as God sovereignly allowing the circumstances to unfold, necessitating a place of refuge. This highlights God's deep care for justice and protection even in unforeseen tragedies.
This passage is part of a legal section detailing responsibilities and consequences for actions that cause harm. It distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, offering a provision for those who unintentionally cause someone's death. This sets up the later, more detailed laws about cities of refuge, where someone fleeing a death they didn't intend could find safety from the avenger of blood.
This passage is part of a legal section detailing responsibilities and consequences for actions that cause harm. It distinguishes between intentional murder and accidental killing, offering a provision for those who unintentionally cause someone's death. This sets up the later, more detailed laws about cities of refuge, where someone fleeing a death they didn't intend could find safety from the avenger of blood.
"But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee." — This verse subtly reveals that "chance" is God's providence at work, not random luck. When someone kills another unintentionally, it's framed not just as an accident, but as God sovereignly allowing…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026