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Num. 35:1–8 The Levites were excluded from inheriting land (26:52–62). They were to live among the people, instructing them in God’s ways. In return, they were to receive tithes from the other tribes in the form of livestock. Here, they are assigned 48 villages and the surrounding grazing land for their livestock. The grazing land was to extend for a thousand cubits (500 yards [457 m]) from the wall of each city.
Num. 35:9–34 Canaan is the holy land because God dwells there. He is the holy one, and sin and death are in absolute opposition to him (see note on 5:1–6:27). If the land is made unclean by violent death, atonement must be made. Otherwise the Lord will not protect the land, and Israel will be exiled. The cities of refuge and the laws associated with them show how cases of homicide are to be handled. The Israelite legal system involved the injured person seeking justice in court. A manslayer is someone who kills any person without intent. The manslayer is protected from the victim’s angry relatives (the avenger of blood). He may flee to one of the cities of refuge. There, the judges will decide whether the killer deserves to be executed for his crime. The guidelines for these decisions are stated in 35:16–24.
Num. 35:9–15 Six cities of refuge were chosen. The law of refuge applied not just to the Israelites but also to the stranger and the sojourner (compare 15:15; Lev. 18:26).
Num. 35:16–21 These verses list examples of premeditated killings. The killer in these cases had with him a lethal weapon (an iron tool or a stone), or he was known to have hatred for his victim, or he was lying in wait for him. These killings all count as murder, and the killer may be executed.
Num. 35:22–29 These verses list examples of killings that are the result of an accident or impulsive behavior (he pushed him suddenly without enmity). The killer in this case is punished by confinement in one of the cities of refuge. If the avenger of blood finds him outside the boundaries of the city, he may kill him. The manslayer must stay there until the high priest dies.
Num. 35:30–34 At least two witnesses are required for a murder conviction (see also Deut. 19:15–21). Ransom (monetary compensation) is not permitted for murder or less serious homicide (see also Gen. 9:5–6).
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