_A.M. 2552. B.C. 1452._ Forty-eight cities assigned to the Levites, of which six were cities of refuge, Numbers 35:1. In what cases it was not allowed to flee to these, Numbers 35:16. In what cases it was allowed, Numbers 35:22. Laws concerning them, Numbers 35:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
_That they give unto the Levites cities_ The reason of this appointment was, that the Levites, being a body of people distinct from the rest of the nation, had no share in the division of the country. It is to be observed that the priests, the sons of Aaron, being also of the tribe of Levi, are here... [ Continue Reading ]
_The cities shall they have to dwell in_ Notwithstanding this provision, it was lawful for them to hire or purchase houses in any other city, particularly at Jerusalem; for we find in Scripture many proofs of their dwelling in other cities besides those which are here assigned them; and, in like man... [ Continue Reading ]
_From the wall of the city a thousand cubits_ It appears, by comparing these two verses together, that there were three thousand cubits allowed them from the wall of the city; the first thousand, properly called the suburbs, probably for outhouses, gardens, vineyards, and olive-yards; and the other... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cities for refuge_ Or, of escape for manslayers. And these cities are assigned among the Levites, partly because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between manslayers and wilful murderers; partly because their presence and authority would more effectually bridle the p... [ Continue Reading ]
_Unawares_ Or ignorantly, as it is, Deuteronomy 19:4, and Joshua 20:3; that is, besides his intention, having no such design, and no hatred to him, Numbers 35:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
_From the avenger_ Hebrew, _from the redeemer_, or, _from the next kinsman;_ to whom, by the law, belonged the right of redemption of the lands of, and vindication of the injury done to, the person deceased. _Die not_ Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place. _Before the congrega... [ Continue Reading ]
_On this side Jordan_ Because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad; and besides, these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan. _If he smite him_ Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice. _He shall be put to death_ Yea, though he had fled into the... [ Continue Reading ]
_With a hand-weapon_ It made no difference with what kind of weapon he was killed, whether it was of iron, wood, or stone. If he was killed wittingly and knowingly, it was murder, and the guilty person was to die for it. For though perhaps he had no intention to kill the person, yet he ought to have... [ Continue Reading ]
_Himself shall slay the murderer_ Le Clerc translates it, It shall be lawful for the revenger to kill him: for it seems to be a mere permission, not a precept. He might, without offence to God, or danger to himself, kill the murderer with his own hand. But if he were not able, or did not choose to d... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall abide in it_ Shall be confined to it. Which was appointed, 1st, To show the hatefulness of murder in God's account, by such a severe punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it: 2d, For the security of the manslayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his living among the kin... [ Continue Reading ]
_Not guilty_ Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God. This God ordained, to oblige the manslayer to abide in his city of refuge.... [ Continue Reading ]
_By the mouth of witnesses_ A wise precaution to prevent the shedding of innocent blood. If we may credit the Jews, where there was but one witness, and the person accused of murder could not, therefore, be put to death, yet he did not escape without punishment, but was thrown into a very strait pri... [ Continue Reading ]
_Defile not the land wherein I dwell_ It is often assigned as a reason why they should put away all polluted persons and things out of their camp and land, because God dwelt in them, by his peculiar presence, whence this land was called _the Holy Land._ It is the case of all crimes, that they defile... [ Continue Reading ]