Numbers 35:12
These towns will be for you places of sanctuary from those seeking revenge, so that the killer will not die until they are tried in court.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
11choose towns as your sanctuary towns, so a person who kills someone by mistake may run there.
13The towns you choose will be your six sanctuary towns.
Cross References
Numbers 35:19The avenger is to execute the murderer. When he finds the murderer, he is to kill him.
Deuteronomy 19:6Otherwise the avenger in his anger might chase after the man and catch up with him and kill him, if it's a long distance. The man would be killed even though he didn't deserve to die, because he hadn't meant to cause any harm.
Joshua 20:3Then any man who kills somebody by accident, unintentionally, can run there and they will be protected from those who wish to take revenge.
2 Samuel 14:7Now the whole family is against me. They're saying, ‘Hand over your son who killed his brother so we can put him to death for murdering his brother. That way he won't inherit anything either!’ By doing this they would snuff out the last ember of hope I have to carry on my husband's name and family in the world.”
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 →