And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This opening to a lengthy section on cities of refuge might seem like mere preamble, but it highlights that these crucial laws about justice and safety were direct instructions from the Lord himself. This wasn't just Moses' idea; it was God's compassionate design to preserve life and ensure fairness, even in a world where life could be tragically cut short.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the instructions for the division of the land of Canaan, the Lord now provides detailed laws regarding homicide and the establishment of cities of refuge. This section clarifies the distinction between accidental killing and intentional murder, outlining the legal procedures and consequences for each, particularly in relation to the "avenger of blood" and the sanctuary provided by these special cities.
Every word from God carries immense weight. What does it mean that the LORD Himself is speaking?
This verse, though brief, is the very beginning of a significant legal instruction. Notice that it's not Moses interpreting something, or a human leader making a decree. It's the LORD speaking directly.
Divine Authority
The phrase 'And the LORD spoke to Moses' (or similar phrasing throughout Scripture) signifies that the words that follow are not human opinion but divine commandment. This is foundational for understanding the Old Testament law. God is the ultimate authority, and His instructions are to be followed because they come from Him.
Establishing Justice
This specific instruction is about establishing cities of refuge. This wasn't an arbitrary rule; it was God's way of bringing order, justice, and mercy into a community where the concept of blood vengeance was deeply ingrained. The divine origin of this law underscores its importance and the seriousness with which it should be taken.
Why did God establish these special cities? It wasn't just about avoiding punishment; it was about something much deeper.
The verses immediately following Numbers 35:9 (which we'll explore further) detail the establishment of cities of refuge. While the verse itself is the introduction, the context reveals the 'why'.
Distinguishing Intent
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These cities were crucial for differentiating between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter. In a culture with a strong tradition of blood vengeance (where a relative could avenge a death), God knew the danger of innocent blood being shed. The cities provided a sanctuary, a temporary safe haven, for those who had taken a life unintentionally.
Preserving Life and Land
This law also served to prevent a cycle of violence. By providing a legal recourse and a place of protection, God aimed to 'cleanse the land' from innocent blood (as stated later in chapter 35) and to ensure justice was served fairly, not just through personal retribution. It showed God's concern for the well-being and purity of the community He was leading.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel, YHWH, who reveals Himself to His people and initiates the instructions for their communal life in the Promised Land.
This passage emerges from a long process of establishing Israel's identity and legal system in the Promised Land, refining earlier laws about justice and protection for the innocent.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan and Division of Land
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites conquered Canaan and divided the land among the twelve tribes. This established the territorial context for the later laws regarding cities.
c. 1400 BC
Levitical Cities Established
As part of the land division, specific cities were designated for the Levites, the priestly tribe who had no land inheritance of their own. These cities would later serve as cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC
Early Laws on Homicide
Prior to the detailed laws in Numbers 35, early legislation in Exodus distinguished between intentional murder and accidental killing, suggesting a need for protection for the unintentional manslayer.
c. 1400 BC
Deuteronomy's Stipulations for Cities of Refuge
Deuteronomy had already instructed the Israelites to set aside cities of refuge, emphasizing their accessibility and purpose in preventing the shedding of innocent blood.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The LORD Speaks to Moses on Cities of Refuge
God instructs Moses on the specific regulations for the cities of refuge, elaborating on the distinction between murder and accidental manslaughter, and the legal procedures involved.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Appoints Cities of Refuge
After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua fulfilled God's command by officially designating and establishing the six cities of refuge across the divided territories.
This passage lays the groundwork for the cities of refuge, stating that a person who intentionally murders must be put to death, but allowing one who kills accidentally to flee to a place of safety.
Deuteronomy 19:1-10This text elaborates on the cities of refuge, specifically mentioning three cities and the conditions under which a manslayer can find asylum, foreshadowing the fuller regulations given here.
Joshua 20:1-9This passage recounts the fulfillment of God's command, detailing the designation of the specific cities of refuge and how the legal process would function in practice.
Hebrews 6:17-20The New Testament writer draws a direct parallel, using the cities of refuge as a powerful metaphor for the hope and security believers find in Jesus Christ as their ultimate refuge.
gillNumbers 35:9: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, or he continued his speech unto him: saying: as follows.
calvinNumbers 35:9-34: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
Et eruet congregatio homicidam e manu propinqui sanguinis, et reverti faciet eum congregatio ad urbem refugii sui ad quam confugerat: habitabitque in ea donec…
This opening to a lengthy section on cities of refuge might seem like mere preamble, but it highlights that these crucial laws about justice and safety were direct instructions from the Lord himself. This wasn't just Moses' idea; it was God's compassionate design to preserve life and ensure fairness, even in a world where life could be tragically cut short.
Following the instructions for the division of the land of Canaan, the Lord now provides detailed laws regarding homicide and the establishment of cities of refuge. This section clarifies the distinction between accidental killing and intentional murder, outlining the legal procedures and consequences for each, particularly in relation to the "avenger of blood" and the sanctuary provided by these special cities.
Following the instructions for the division of the land of Canaan, the Lord now provides detailed laws regarding homicide and the establishment of cities of refuge. This section clarifies the distinction between accidental killing and intentional murder, outlining the legal procedures and consequences for each, particularly in relation to the "avenger of blood" and the sanctuary provided by these special cities.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying," — This opening to a lengthy section on cities of refuge might seem like mere preamble, but it highlights that these crucial laws about justice and safety were direct instructions from the Lord himself.…
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Last reviewed October 2026