Numbers 35:9-15 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 35:9-15

Who may seek safety in a city of refuge?

Berean Standard Bible

9 Then the LORD said to Moses, 10 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. 12 You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. 13 The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. 14 Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. 15 These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there.

What is the context?

Six cities are to provide refuge for someone who kills another person unintentionally, with three on each side of the Jordan. The stated protection prevents the person being killed by the avenger before standing trial before the assembly.

The provision includes Israelites and foreigners living among them. Refuge does not itself decide the case or make every killing innocent. It provides safety so that judgment can take place under the stated rules.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains that the assembly must distinguish intentional murder from unintended killing. He also suggests a Christian comparison with refuge in Christ. That comparison should not erase the actual law’s limited purpose: protection before judgment and a defined outcome for unintentional killing.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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