Numbers 35:11-12
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This wasn't just about providing a safe haven; it was a divine intervention to prevent a cycle of revenge and accidental bloodshed. By designating these cities, God was actively stepping in to distinguish between intentional murder and unintentional harm, ensuring justice while tempering the fierce ancient custom of blood vengeance.
then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land, and God is instituting laws to govern their new life there. Following the detailed instructions for the division of the land and the responsibilities of the Levites, God introduces the concept of cities of refuge, intended to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death from the vengeful pursuit of the victim's family. This system provided a vital safeguard against rash and potentially unjust retribution, ensuring that only deliberate murderers faced full punishment while allowing accidental killers a path to safety and eventual reconciliation.
Imagine a terrible accident – a moment of carelessness that results in a death. In a society where blood feuds were common, what safety could such a person expect?
Numbers 35:11 introduces the concept of 'cities of refuge.' These weren't just random safe havens; they were divinely appointed places specifically for those who killed someone 'at unawares.' This highlights a crucial distinction God makes:
Intent Matters
The text emphasizes that these cities were for those who killed 'without intent,' 'at unawares,' or 'through error.' This wasn't a loophole for murderers but a safeguard for those whose actions, though resulting in death, lacked malice or premeditation. The original Hebrew concept points to a killing that happened by mistake or without conscious design.
A Restraining Law
This law addressed the ancient practice of 'blood vengeance,' where the nearest relative had the right to kill the slayer. While this had a place in upholding justice, it was prone to rashness and escalation. The cities of refuge acted as a 'restraining law,' preventing immediate, potentially unjust retribution and allowing for a proper investigation.
In a world often quick to condemn, where could someone turn if they weren't a native Israelite but found themselves in a similar tragic situation?
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The provision of cities of refuge wasn't limited to just the citizens of Israel.
A Wider Mercy
The commentaries note that these cities were intended for 'all resident strangers' as well. This is a powerful testament to God's expansive mercy, extending His protective grace beyond national or ethnic lines.
Divine Prerogative
These cities were strategically placed, often within Levitical cities. This wasn't arbitrary; the Levites, dedicated to God's service, were seen as qualified to uphold justice and discernment. It underscored that the ultimate authority and dispenser of this refuge and justice was God Himself, demonstrating His desire for equity for all dwelling within His land.
Understand the original words
miqlat · Hebrew Noun
A designated place, often associated with the holiness or authority of God, where those in danger can find safety, protection, and immunity from immediate harm or retribution. In the context of Israel's law, these provided a legal buffer against impulsive justice.
rotsach · Hebrew Noun
One who has caused the death of another person, specifically used here to distinguish between accidental or unintentional killing and premeditated murder. This legal category triggers the provisions for asylum.
bishgagah · Hebrew Prepositional phrase
Refers to an action done without premeditation, malice, or prior intent to kill. The Hebrew highlights the absence of 'enmity' or 'lying in wait,' distinguishing it from capital murder.
go'el · Hebrew Noun
A relative of a slain person who held the traditional responsibility to execute justice upon the killer. This practice ensured justice but necessitated divine regulation to prevent cycles of uncontrolled blood feuds.
edah · Hebrew Noun
The gathered body of the people of Israel acting in their legal, covenantal capacity to administer justice. It represents the community’s responsibility to uphold God’s law rather than allowing personal vengeance.
The institution of cities of refuge was a divinely ordained safeguard woven into the fabric of Israelite society as they settled the Promised Land. It addressed the ancient, powerful custom of blood vengeance while ensuring that justice was tempered with mercy for those who caused accidental death.
c. 1446 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following their exodus from Egypt and wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, began their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Division of Land among Tribes
After the conquest, the land of Canaan was systematically divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, with specific territories assigned to each.
c. 1446-1406 BC— this verse
Levitical Cities Appointed
As part of the land division, 48 cities were designated for the Levites, the priestly tribe, who had no ancestral land inheritance. Six of these were to serve as cities of refuge.
c. 1406 BC
Settlement and Establishment of Laws
The Israelites fully settled in their allotted lands, and the divine laws, including those concerning justice, sanctuary, and the cities of refuge, were to be established and practiced throughout their generations.
This passage describes Cain's murder of Abel and the subsequent fear of reprisal, highlighting the ancient concept of blood vengeance that the cities of refuge were designed to mitigate.
Exodus 21:12-14This passage immediately precedes the command to appoint cities of refuge and directly addresses the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing, laying the groundwork for the need for such safe havens.
Deuteronomy 19:4-5This passage further clarifies the type of unintentional killing that warrants refuge and emphasizes that the protection is for those who did not hate their neighbor, reinforcing the intent behind the law.
Joshua 20:1-6This passage describes the actual selection and designation of the cities of refuge, showing the practical outworking of the command given in Numbers 35 and how they were to function.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage refers to believers finding 'strong encouragement to hold onto the hope set before us,' drawing a parallel to the 'hope' of safety and refuge found in these physical cities, hinting at a spiritual reality.
gillNumbers 35:11: "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."
Then ye shall appoint your cities to be cities of refuge for you,.... And, according to the Jewish writers (i), these were neither to be made large nor little, but middling; and they appointed them where there were markets and fairs, at which goods were to be sold; and where there was plenty of water, and a multitude of people; and where there…
bensonNumbers 35:11: "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."
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 .
This wasn't just about providing a safe haven; it was a divine intervention to prevent a cycle of revenge and accidental bloodshed. By designating these cities, God was actively stepping in to distinguish between intentional murder and unintentional harm, ensuring justice while tempering the fierce ancient custom of blood vengeance.
The Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land, and God is instituting laws to govern their new life there. Following the detailed instructions for the division of the land and the responsibilities of the Levites, God introduces the concept of cities of refuge, intended to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death from the vengeful pursuit of the victim's family. This system provided a vital safeguard against rash and potentially unjust retribution, ensuring that only deliberate murderers faced full punishment while allowing accidental killers a path to safety and eventual reconciliation.
The Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land, and God is instituting laws to govern their new life there. Following the detailed instructions for the division of the land and the responsibilities of the Levites, God introduces the concept of cities of refuge, intended to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death from the vengeful pursuit of the victim's family. This system provided a vital safeguard against rash and potentially unjust retribution, ensuring that only deliberate murderers faced full punishment while allowing accidental killers a path to safety and eventual reconciliation.
"then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands befor…" — This wasn't just about providing a safe haven; it was a divine intervention to prevent a cycle of revenge and accidental bloodshed. By designating these cities, God was actively stepping in to distin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
