5). PROVISION OF CITIES TO DWELL IN FOR THE LEVITES (NUMBERS 35:1). As is regular in Numbers the regulations for the Levites follow on after the regulations for the people (compare Numbers 1:1 with Numbers 1:47; Numbers 2 with Numbers 3; Numbers 6:1 with Numbers 8:5; Numbers 26:1 with... [ Continue Reading ]
6). PROVISION OF CITIES OF REFUGE AND PREVENTION OF DEFILEMENT OF THE LAND (NUMBERS 35:9). Central to maintaining the purity of the land was the need to prevent within it the shedding of innocent blood. If a man deliberately slew another his life was forfeit. Blood would have to be given for blood,... [ Continue Reading ]
THE NUMBER OF CITIES TO BE SET UP AND THEIR WIDESPREAD COVERAGE (NUMBERS 35:13) Numbers 35:13 “ And the cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge. You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall you give in the land of Canaan. They shall be cities of... [ Continue Reading ]
THREE EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO WOULD FIND NO PROTECTION IN A CITY OF REFUGE (35:16-18). The deliberate murderer had no refuge. This would partly be determined by the nature of the instrument used. Thus an iron instrument, a large stone, or a wooden weapon would be evidence of intent. It would suggest... [ Continue Reading ]
FURTHER EXAMPLES. Numbers 35:20 “ And if he thrust him of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died, or in enmity smote him with his hand, so that he died; he that smote him shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when h... [ Continue Reading ]