Numbers 35:28
Numbers 35:28 in Multiple Translations
because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.
Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the manslayer shall return into the land of his possession.
Because he had been ordered to keep inside the safe town till the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the taker of life may come back to the place of his heritage.
because the killer has to stay in his sanctuary town until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest is he allowed to return to the land he owns.
Because he should haue remained in the citie of his refuge, vntill the death of the hie Priest: and after the death of the hie Priest, the slayer shall returne vnto the land of his possession.
for in the city of his refuge he doth dwell till the death of the chief priest; and after the death of the chief priest doth the man-slayer turn back unto the city of his possession.
because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest, the man slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
For the fugitive ought to have stayed in the city until the death of the high priest: and after he is dead, then shall the manslayer return to his own country.
The killer must stay in that city where he will be safe/protected until the Supreme Priest dies. He will be safe from revenge after that, because the death of the Supreme Priest will be considered to be a sacrifice to atone for that murder. After that, the killer may return to his home.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 35:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
בְ/עִ֤יר
מִקְלָט/וֹ֙
יֵשֵׁ֔ב
עַד
מ֖וֹת
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
הַ/גָּדֹ֑ל
וְ/אַחֲרֵ֥י
מוֹת֙
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
הַ/גָּדֹ֔ל
יָשׁוּב֙
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
אֶל
אֶ֖רֶץ
אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/עִ֤יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
מִקְלָט/וֹ֙
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
N-ms | Suff
יֵשֵׁ֔ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מ֖וֹת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּדֹ֑ל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
וְ/אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Prep
מוֹת֙
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּדֹ֔ל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
יָשׁוּב֙
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:28
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְ/עִ֤יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִקְלָט/וֹ֙
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
N-ms | Suff
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
יֵשֵׁ֔ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מ֖וֹת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/גָּדֹ֑ל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וְ/אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מוֹת֙
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/גָּדֹ֔ל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
יָשׁוּב֙
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Six Cities of Refuge
26But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled
27and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed,
28because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns.
29This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live. 30If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 3:14 | We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first. |
| 2 | Hebrews 10:26–30 | If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” |
| 3 | Hebrews 6:4–8 | It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame. For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. |
| 4 | Hebrews 9:11–12 | But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. |
| 5 | Acts 11:23 | When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. |
| 6 | John 15:4–6 | Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. |
| 7 | Hebrews 10:39 | But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. |
| 8 | Hebrews 9:15–17 | Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive. |
| 9 | Acts 27:31 | But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.” |
Numbers 35:28 Summary
This verse, Numbers 35:28, explains that someone who has killed another person by accident must stay in a special city called a city of refuge until the high priest dies. This is like a time-out to help the person think about what they did, and it also keeps them safe from the person's family who might want to hurt them. The idea of a city of refuge is like having a safe place to run to when we make mistakes, just like we can run to God for forgiveness and protection (Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:4). By waiting for the death of the high priest, the manslayer is reminded that true freedom and redemption come from God, just as we find freedom and redemption in Jesus Christ (John 8:36).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the city of refuge in Numbers 35:28?
The city of refuge provides a safe haven for the manslayer until the death of the high priest, as stated in Numbers 35:28, highlighting God's mercy and justice, similar to the concept of God's mercy seat in Exodus 25:17-22.
Why must the manslayer remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest?
The manslayer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest because this period of time serves as a form of punishment and protection, as seen in Numbers 35:28, and is also symbolic of the ultimate sacrifice and redemption through Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 9:11-14.
What happens to the manslayer if he leaves the city of refuge before the death of the high priest?
If the manslayer leaves the city of refuge before the death of the high priest, he can be killed by the avenger of blood without guilt, as stated in Numbers 35:27, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions and waiting for His timing.
How does this verse relate to the concept of redemption and forgiveness in the Bible?
Numbers 35:28 points to the concept of redemption and forgiveness, as the manslayer's freedom is tied to the death of the high priest, symbolizing the ultimate redemption and forgiveness available through Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:24-25 and Hebrews 9:15.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the concept of waiting for God's timing, as seen in Numbers 35:28, to my own life and circumstances?
- What does this verse teach me about God's balance of justice and mercy, and how can I reflect this balance in my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I find refuge and safety in God, just as the manslayer found refuge in the city of refuge, and how can I trust in His protection and care?
- How does the death of the high priest in Numbers 35:28 symbolize the ultimate sacrifice and redemption through Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for my faith and walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:28
Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest,.... Nothing could give him his liberty but his death; so that though this was a merciful provision made
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:28
But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity ... Under the excitement of a sudden provocation or
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:28
9–34. The ‘Cities of Refuge,’ and the Law relating to homicide In Numbers 35:9-15 the appointment of the six cities and their purpose are prescribed; Numbers 35:16-23 contain specimen cases distinguishing deliberate murder from accidental homicide; Numbers 35:24-28 provide the legal procedure; Numbers 35:29-34 form a conclusion. The section presents the latest development in the O.T. of the Law of Asylum. In early days an appointed place was provided, to which the manslayer might flee, i.e. an altar, which would be within easy reach of every town; cf. 1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28. In D (Deuteronomy 19:1-10), when only one altar was permitted, at the national sanctuary at Jerusalem, which would be practically useless for purposes of asylum, special cities were substituted for the local altars. Three cities were specified, and, if Jehovah enlarged the Israelites’ borders, three more were to be added1 [Note: Three have previously been mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:41-43; but it is unlikely that the writer of Deuteronomy 19. understood nine cities to be intended. See Driver, Deut. p. 233. . If the manslayer be guilty of deliberate murder, the elders of his own city shall send to the city whither he has fled for asylum, and shall deliver him up to the gτ’ηl or ‘avenger of blood’; but if the homicide was accidental, he may stay in safety in the city whither he has fled. In the present passage the regulations are fuller. Of the six cities three are to be on each side of the Jordan (the fulfilment of the command, with the name of the cities, is related in Joshua 20).
They receive, for the first time, the title ‘cities of refuge’ (see on Numbers 35:11). When a manslayer flees to one of these cities, ‘the congregation’ (see on Numbers 35:12) judges between him and the gτ’ηl, to discover whether the manslaughter had been deliberate or accidental. If it is proved to be accidental, the man must be taken back to the city of refuge, where he must remain until the death of the high priest. If he ventures out before that time, the gτ’ηl may kill him. If, on the other hand, he is found guilty of deliberate murder, the gτ’ηl must kill him. Gray (Numb. p. 471) points out that this modifies the ancient custom in three respects: (1) Ancient custom made no distinction between accidental and deliberate manslaughter; the gτ’ηl must see that the loss of life suffered by one family is compensated for. (2) In ancient custom the loss could be compensated for by the death of any member of the manslayer’s family. Here the law tacitly insists that the murderer only is to forfeit his life. (3) The present law forbids the forfeited life of the murderer to be redeemed by a money payment. Such redemption was widely prevalent, but except in certain cases—not wilful murder—(cf.
Exodus 21:29 f.) it seems to have been prohibited at an early period in Israel, though the present law contains the earliest explicit prohibition.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:28
THE , Numbers 35:22-28.Human life is so sacred that it must be hedged about by all possible safeguards.
Sermons on Numbers 35:28
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(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 11. the Just Shall Live Continually by Faith by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the reality of salvation and the importance of living continually by faith. He uses the analogy of a man crossing Niagara Falls on a wheelba |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 14 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the superiority of the dispensation that believers have entered into. The speaker highlights that Jesus uph |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 12 by T. Austin-Sparks | The sermon transcript discusses the theme of "better" in the book of Hebrews. The speaker highlights various verses in the book that emphasize the concept of "better," such as bett |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the nation of Israel and how it relates to believers in Christ. He emphasizes that God sees the nation as one son and will not |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the two main themes running through the four gospels: the Jewish idea of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God, and the heavenly idea. The four g |
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(Faith Community Chapel) Remain Steadfast by Terrill Yoder | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that it is not enough to simply hear the words of Jesus |