Joshua 20:5 - If the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him before.
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What does "Joshua 20:5" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:5 is part of the instructions for setting up cities of refuge in Israel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If the avenger of blood pursues him..." This refers to a situation where someone has accidentally killed another person. In ancient Israelite society, the nearest male relative of the deceased (the "avenger of blood") had the right and responsibility to avenge the death by killing the person responsible.
"...then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand..." This means that if the person who accidentally caused the death flees to a designated city of refuge, the elders or authorities of that city are obligated to protect him. They cannot turn him over to the avenger of blood.
"...because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn't hate him before." This is the key condition for receiving protection. The person must have killed someone accidentally (manslaughter) and not out of malice or premeditated hatred. The verse underscores that the act must have been unintentional. If the killing was intentional or motivated by hatred, the person would not be eligible for refuge.
In essence, this verse provides a legal safeguard for individuals who accidentally cause someone's death. It ensures they are not subject to the immediate, potentially unjust, wrath of the avenger of blood, allowing for a more fair and impartial assessment of the circumstances. The cities of refuge offered a temporary safe haven while the case could be properly investigated and judged.
Joshua 20:5 - If the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him before.
What does "Joshua 20:5" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:5 is part of the instructions for setting up cities of refuge in Israel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If the avenger of blood pursues him..." This refers to a situation where someone has accidentally killed another person. In ancient Israelite society, the nearest male relative of the deceased (the "avenger of blood") had the right and responsibility to avenge the death by killing the person responsible.
"...then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand..." This means that if the person who accidentally caused the death flees to a designated city of refuge, the elders or authorities of that city are obligated to protect him. They cannot turn him over to the avenger of blood.
"...because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn't hate him before." This is the key condition for receiving protection. The person must have killed someone accidentally (manslaughter) and not out of malice or premeditated hatred. The verse underscores that the act must have been unintentional. If the killing was intentional or motivated by hatred, the person would not be eligible for refuge.
In essence, this verse provides a legal safeguard for individuals who accidentally cause someone's death. It ensures they are not subject to the immediate, potentially unjust, wrath of the avenger of blood, allowing for a more fair and impartial assessment of the circumstances. The cities of refuge offered a temporary safe haven while the case could be properly investigated and judged.