Numbers 35:15 - For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.
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What does "Numbers 35:15" mean?
This verse from Numbers 35:15 outlines the purpose and scope of the cities of refuge established in the Israelite legal system. Let's break it down:
"For the children of Israel...": This establishes that the cities of refuge were intended for native-born Israelites.
"...and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them...": This is a crucial detail. It extends the protection offered by the cities of refuge to non-Israelites who were residing within Israelite territory. This highlights a principle of justice and fairness, ensuring that foreigners had the same legal recourse as Israelites in cases of accidental manslaughter.
"...shall these six cities be for refuge...": These six cities were specifically designated as places where someone could flee to for protection.
"...that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.": This is the key condition. The refuge was only available to those who committed involuntary or accidental manslaughter. It was not intended for murderers who acted with malice or premeditation. The act of killing had to be unintentional and without hatred. The purpose was to protect the unintentional killer from blood vengeance (the victim's relatives seeking revenge).
In essence, the verse means:
The six designated cities were established as havens of safety for anyone, whether Israelite or a resident foreigner, who accidentally caused someone's death. These individuals could flee to these cities to escape potential retaliation from the victim's family.
Key takeaways:
Protection from Blood Vengeance: The primary function of the cities of refuge was to shield the unintentional killer from the customary practice of blood vengeance.
Due Process: While providing immediate refuge, the system also implied a process of investigation to determine the nature of the killing (accidental vs. intentional). The person would eventually have to stand trial.
Justice and Fairness: The inclusion of "the stranger and the foreigner" underscores the importance of extending legal protection to all within the community, regardless of their origin.
Limitation: The refuge was explicitly for unwitting or accidental killings. Intentional murder was not covered by this provision.
This verse reflects a nuanced legal system that sought to balance justice, mercy, and the prevention of uncontrolled cycles of violence.
Numbers 35:15 - For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.
What does "Numbers 35:15" mean?
This verse from Numbers 35:15 outlines the purpose and scope of the cities of refuge established in the Israelite legal system. Let's break it down:
"For the children of Israel...": This establishes that the cities of refuge were intended for native-born Israelites.
"...and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them...": This is a crucial detail. It extends the protection offered by the cities of refuge to non-Israelites who were residing within Israelite territory. This highlights a principle of justice and fairness, ensuring that foreigners had the same legal recourse as Israelites in cases of accidental manslaughter.
"...shall these six cities be for refuge...": These six cities were specifically designated as places where someone could flee to for protection.
"...that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.": This is the key condition. The refuge was only available to those who committed involuntary or accidental manslaughter. It was not intended for murderers who acted with malice or premeditation. The act of killing had to be unintentional and without hatred. The purpose was to protect the unintentional killer from blood vengeance (the victim's relatives seeking revenge).
In essence, the verse means:
The six designated cities were established as havens of safety for anyone, whether Israelite or a resident foreigner, who accidentally caused someone's death. These individuals could flee to these cities to escape potential retaliation from the victim's family.
Key takeaways:
Protection from Blood Vengeance: The primary function of the cities of refuge was to shield the unintentional killer from the customary practice of blood vengeance.
Due Process: While providing immediate refuge, the system also implied a process of investigation to determine the nature of the killing (accidental vs. intentional). The person would eventually have to stand trial.
Justice and Fairness: The inclusion of "the stranger and the foreigner" underscores the importance of extending legal protection to all within the community, regardless of their origin.
Limitation: The refuge was explicitly for unwitting or accidental killings. Intentional murder was not covered by this provision.
This verse reflects a nuanced legal system that sought to balance justice, mercy, and the prevention of uncontrolled cycles of violence.