Numbers 35:27
and the avenger of blood finds him outside the boundaries of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer, he shall not be guilty of blood.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage highlights a crucial distinction: while the avenger of blood is protected from guilt by human law if they kill someone outside the refuge city, they aren't necessarily innocent before God. This rule was divinely established to strongly incentivize the manslayer to remain within the city's safety, underscoring the seriousness of avoiding any further shedding of blood.
This passage comes amidst detailed instructions for the cities of refuge, established to protect those who had accidentally caused someone's death. These verses clarify the boundary of that protection: if the manslayer leaves the designated city, they forfeit its safety and become vulnerable to the "avenger of blood," a relative responsible for seeking retribution. The text emphasizes that the avenger is not held accountable for spilling blood in this specific scenario, serving as a strong deterrent for the manslayer to remain within the city's confines until further judgment or the death of the high priest.
What happens when the 'person who accidentally killed' steps outside the designated safe zone?
The cities of refuge were a lifeline, but they demanded obedience. This verse clearly states that if the manslayer leaves the boundaries of the city of refuge, they forfeit their protection. The 'avenger of blood' (the victim's relative tasked with seeking retribution) could then legally kill the manslayer without incurring guilt themselves.
This wasn't about the avenger's personal vengeance being unchecked. Rather, it was a divine ordinance designed to emphasize the gravity of the manslayer's responsibility to stay within the safety God provided. Leaving the city meant they were no longer under God's specific protection for accidental killing, and thus became liable to the consequences of their actions.
The text says the avenger is 'not guilty of blood.' Does this mean the manslayer is now fully absolved?
This is a crucial distinction: the avenger of blood is not guilty for killing the manslayer that person was outside the city of refuge. However, this doesn't mean the manslayer was instantly free from all guilt before God.
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Commentators like Benson and Wesley point out that while the avenger faces no human penalty, the manslayer's transgression of the refuge city's boundaries still carries consequences. The primary purpose of the cities of refuge was to protect the innocent accidental killer from immediate, mob-justice retribution. Stepping outside the boundary violated the terms of that protection, making them vulnerable.
Why did God set up this system of refuge cities and their strict boundaries?
The system of cities of refuge, including the rule in verse 27, wasn't arbitrary. It served several profound purposes:
Understand the original words
ga'al · Hebrew Noun phrase
A kinsman responsible for upholding the family honor and justice, specifically by avenging the death of a relative. In the Mosaic law, this role was regulated to prevent unchecked cycles of violence.
This passage highlights a crucial legal safeguard within ancient Israelite society, designed to prevent a miscarriage of justice and the further shedding of innocent blood in a culture where blood vengeance was a significant force.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Journey
After their liberation from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai wilderness under Moses' leadership, receiving the Law, including the establishment of cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites began their conquest of the Promised Land, a process that would take several years and involve significant warfare.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Division of Land and Cities of Refuge Established
Following the conquest, the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes. The six cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River, were designated from the Levitical cities, serving as safe havens for those who had accidentally caused a death.
c. 1380 BC - 1070 BC
Period of the Judges
This era was characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, with various leaders, known as judges, ruling the tribes. The laws concerning cities of refuge remained in effect throughout this period.
This passage further clarifies the strict boundary of the city of refuge, stating that the elders of the manslayer’s city must send and bring him back if he is found outside its limits, reinforcing the consequences of leaving this sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the hope of believers and the cities of refuge, likening fleeing to Christ for salvation to the manslayer fleeing to the city for safety, highlighting Christ as our ultimate refuge.
Zechariah 9:12The prophet Zechariah calls on 'prisoners of hope' to return to their stronghold, a direct allusion to the cities of refuge, pointing to God’s provision of a safe place for His people.
Numbers 35:15This verse establishes the initial protection offered by the cities of refuge for any who accidentally kill a person, setting the stage for the specific circumstances in verse 27 where that protection is nullified.
gillNumbers 35:27: "And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:"
And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge,.... Without the suburbs, fields, and vineyards belonging to it: and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; being exasperated against him, and to avenge the blood of his relation on him: he shall not be guilty of blood; or be reckoned murderer…
bensonNumbers 35:27: "And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:"
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.
This passage highlights a crucial distinction: while the avenger of blood is protected from guilt by human law if they kill someone outside the refuge city, they aren't necessarily innocent before God. This rule was divinely established to strongly incentivize the manslayer to remain within the city's safety, underscoring the seriousness of avoiding any further shedding of blood.
This passage comes amidst detailed instructions for the cities of refuge, established to protect those who had accidentally caused someone's death. These verses clarify the boundary of that protection: if the manslayer leaves the designated city, they forfeit its safety and become vulnerable to the "avenger of blood," a relative responsible for seeking retribution. The text emphasizes that the avenger is not held accountable for spilling blood in this specific scenario, serving as a strong deterrent for the manslayer to remain within the city's confines until further judgment or the death of the high priest.
This passage comes amidst detailed instructions for the cities of refuge, established to protect those who had accidentally caused someone's death. These verses clarify the boundary of that protection: if the manslayer leaves the designated city, they forfeit its safety and become vulnerable to the "avenger of blood," a relative responsible for seeking retribution. The text emphasizes that the avenger is not held accountable for spilling blood in this specific scenario, serving as a strong deterrent for the manslayer to remain within the city's confines until further judgment or the death of the high priest.
"and the avenger of blood finds him outside the boundaries of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer, he shall not be guilty of blood." — This passage highlights a crucial distinction: while the avenger of blood is protected from guilt by human law if they kill someone outside the refuge city, they aren't necessarily innocent before Go…
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