Deuteronomy 19:6

lest the avenger of the blood, the near relative upon whom this duty devolved, pursue the slayer while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him, strike down his soul, take his life; whereas he was not worthy of death, could not rightly be condemned to death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. For this reason it was important that a city of refuge be near at hand in every part of Israel's dominion, and that it be accessible. Note that the people as a whole are addressed throughout the passage, for the Lord wanted to bring out the personal obligation in regard to the intended preservation of life and prevention of bloodshed in Israel.