Numbers 35:12
And when a fugitive is in these, the kinsman of the deceased shall not be able to kill him, until he stands in the sight of the multitude and his case is judged.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
11discern which cities ought to be for the protection of fugitives who have shed blood unwillingly.
13Then, among those cities which are separated for relief to fugitives,
Cross References
Numbers 35:19The close relative of the deceased shall put to death the murderer; as soon as he apprehends him, he shall put him to death.
Deuteronomy 19:6Otherwise, perhaps the near relative of him whose blood was shed, impelled by his grief, might pursue and apprehend him, unless the way is too long, and he might strike down the life of him who is not guilty unto death, since he had demonstrated that he had no prior hatred against him who was slain.
Joshua 20:3so that anyone who will have struck down a life unintentionally may flee to them. And so, he may be able to escape from the wrath of a close relative, who is an avenger of blood.
2 Samuel 14:7And behold, the whole family, rising up against your handmaid, said: ‘Deliver him who struck down his brother, so that we may kill him for the life of his brother, whom he killed, and so that we may do away with the heir.’ And they are seeking to extinguish my spark that is left, so that there may not survive a name for my husband, nor a remnant upon the earth.”
Matthew Henry on Numbers 35:10-34
The Cities of Refuge. ( b. c. 1452.) 9 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; 11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. 12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. 13 And of these cities which ye shall give… Read the whole commentary →