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Teks -- Numbers 35:1-34 (NET)

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Konteks
The Levitical Cities
35:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the Moabite plains by the Jordan near Jericho. He said: 35:2 “Instruct the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. You must also give the Levites grazing land around the towns. 35:3 Thus they will have towns in which to live, and their grazing lands will be for their cattle, for their possessions, and for all their animals. 35:4 The grazing lands around the towns that you will give to the Levites must extend to a distance of 500 yards from the town wall. 35:5 “You must measure from outside the wall of the town on the east 1,000 yards, and on the south side 1,000 yards, and on the west side 1,000 yards, and on the north side 1,000 yards, with the town in the middle. This territory must belong to them as grazing land for the towns. 35:6 Now from these towns that you will give to the Levites you must select six towns of refuge to which a person who has killed someone may flee. And you must give them forty-two other towns. 35:7 “So the total of the towns you will give the Levites is forty-eight. You must give these together with their grazing lands. 35:8 The towns you will give must be from the possession of the Israelites. From the larger tribes you must give more; and from the smaller tribes fewer. Each must contribute some of its own towns to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance allocated to each.
The Cities of Refuge
35:9 Then the Lord spoke to Moses: 35:10 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘When you cross over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, 35:11 you must then designate some towns as towns of refuge for you, to which a person who has killed someone unintentionally may flee. 35:12 And they must stand as your towns of refuge from the avenger in order that the killer may not die until he has stood trial before the community. 35:13 These towns that you must give shall be your six towns for refuge. 35:14 “You must give three towns on this side of the Jordan, and you must give three towns in the land of Canaan; they must be towns of refuge. 35:15 These six towns will be places of refuge for the Israelites, and for the foreigner, and for the settler among them, so that anyone who kills any person accidentally may flee there. 35:16 “But if he hits someone with an iron tool so that he dies, he is a murderer. The murderer must surely be put to death. 35:17 If he strikes him by throwing a stone large enough that he could die, and he dies, he is a murderer. The murderer must surely be put to death. 35:18 Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon so that he could die, and he dies, he is a murderer. The murderer must surely be put to death. 35:19 The avenger of blood himself must kill the murderer; when he meets him, he must kill him. 35:20 “But if he strikes him out of hatred or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies, 35:21 or with enmity he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death, for he is a murderer. The avenger of blood must kill the murderer when he meets him. 35:22 “But if he strikes him suddenly, without enmity, or throws anything at him unintentionally, 35:23 or with any stone large enough that a man could die, without seeing him, and throws it at him, and he dies, even though he was not his enemy nor sought his harm, 35:24 then the community must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these decisions. 35:25 The community must deliver the slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the community must restore him to the town of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the consecrated oil. 35:26 But if the slayer at any time goes outside the boundary of the town to which he had fled, 35:27 and the avenger of blood finds him outside the borders of the town of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the slayer, he will not be guilty of blood, 35:28 because the slayer should have stayed in his town of refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest, the slayer may return to the land of his possessions. 35:29 So these things must be a statutory ordinance for you throughout your generations, in all the places where you live. 35:30 “Whoever kills any person, the murderer must be put to death by the testimony of witnesses; but one witness cannot testify against any person to cause him to be put to death. 35:31 Moreover, you must not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; he must surely be put to death. 35:32 And you must not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled to a town of refuge, to allow him to return home and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. 35:33 “You must not pollute the land where you live, for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed there, except by the blood of the person who shed it. 35:34 Therefore do not defile the land that you will inhabit, in which I live, for I the Lord live among the Israelites.”
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Nama Orang, Nama Tempat, Topik/Tema Kamus

Nama Orang dan Nama Tempat:
 · Canaan the region ofeast Mediterranean coastal land from Arvad (modern Lebanon) south to Gaza,the coast land from Mt. Carmel north to the Orontes River
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Jericho a town five miles west of the Jordan and 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem,a town of Benjamin 11 km NW of the mouth of the Jordan River
 · Jordan the river that flows from Lake Galilee to the Dead Sea,a river that begins at Mt. Hermon, flows south through Lake Galilee and on to its end at the Dead Sea 175 km away (by air)
 · Levites relating to Levi and the priesthood given to him,a tribal name describing people and ceremonies as sacred
 · Moab resident(s) of the country of Moab
 · Moses a son of Amram; the Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them The Law of Moses,a Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them the law


Topik/Tema Kamus: REFUGE, CITIES OF | Homicide | PUNISHMENTS | Moab | JOSHUA (2) | EZEKIEL, 2 | PENTATEUCH, 2B | CITY | MURDER | COURTS, JUDICIAL | Refuge | LAW OF MOSES | LAW IN THE OLD TESTAMENT | ASSASSINATION | Avenger of Blood | MURRAIN | MANSLAYER | Punishment | CRITICISM | Canaan | selebihnya
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Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

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NET Notes , Geneva Bible

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MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Wesley: Num 35:3 - For the cattle For pasturage for their cattle: where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards or vineyards, no nor sow corn, for which they were abun...

For pasturage for their cattle: where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards or vineyards, no nor sow corn, for which they were abundantly provided out of the first-fruits. And these suburbs did not belong to the Levites in common, but were distributed to them in convenient proportions.

Wesley: Num 35:4 - A thousand cubits In the next verse it is two thousand. But this verse and the next do not speak to the same thing; this speaks of the space from whence the suburbs sha...

In the next verse it is two thousand. But this verse and the next do not speak to the same thing; this speaks of the space from whence the suburbs shall be measured, the next speaks of the space unto which that measure shall be extended; and the words may very well be read thus.

Wesley: Num 35:4 - And the suburbs Shall be from the wall of the city and from without it, or, from the outward parts of it, even from a thousand cubits round about. Which are mentioned...

Shall be from the wall of the city and from without it, or, from the outward parts of it, even from a thousand cubits round about. Which are mentioned not as the thing measured, but as the space from which the measuring line should begin. And then it follows, Num 35:5. And ye shall measure from without the city, (not from the wall of the city, as said before Num 35:4, but from without it, that is, from the said outward space of a thousand cubits without the wall of the city round about) on the east side two thousand cubits. So in truth there were three thousand cubits from the wall of the city, whereof one thousand probably were for out - houses, stalls for cattle, gardens, vineyards and olive - yards, and the other two thousand for pasture, which are therefore called the field of the suburbs, Lev 25:34, by way of distinction from the suburbs themselves, which consist of the first thousand cubits from the wall of the city.

Wesley: Num 35:6 - 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 imparti...

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 man-slayers, and wilful murderers; partly because their presence and authority would more effectually bridle the passions of the avenger of blood who might pursue him thither; and perhaps to signify, that it is only in Christ (whom the Levitical priests represented) that sinners find refuge and safety from the destroyer.

Wesley: Num 35:11 - Unawares Not wilfully, designedly or maliciously, but through mistake or indiscretion.

Not wilfully, designedly or maliciously, but through mistake or indiscretion.

Wesley: Num 35:12 - From the avenger Heb. 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 ...

Heb. 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.

Wesley: Num 35:12 - Die not Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place.

Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place.

Wesley: Num 35:12 - Before the congregation Before the judges or elders who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were to examine, and that publickly before the p...

Before the judges or elders who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were to examine, and that publickly before the people, whether the murder was wilful or casual.

Wesley: Num 35:14 - 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.

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.

Wesley: Num 35:16 - If he smite him Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice.

Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice.

Wesley: Num 35:16 - He shall be put to death Yea though he were fled into the city of refuge.

Yea though he were fled into the city of refuge.

Wesley: Num 35:19 - He shall slay him Either by himself, as the following words shew; so it is a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself: or by the magist...

Either by himself, as the following words shew; so it is a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself: or by the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command.

Wesley: Num 35:24 - Then If the man - slayer flee to to the city of refuge.

If the man - slayer flee to to the city of refuge.

Wesley: Num 35:26 - He shall abide in it Be confined to it, partly to shew the hatefulness of murder in God's account by so severe a punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it, and ...

Be confined to it, partly to shew the hatefulness of murder in God's account by so severe a punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it, and partly for the security of the man - slayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his conversation among the kindred of the deceased, might occasion reproach and blood - shed. @@ The death of the high-priest __ Perhaps to shew that the death of Christ (the true High-priest, whom the others represented) is the only means whereby sins are pardoned and sinners set at liberty.

Wesley: Num 35:27 - Not guilty Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God.

Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God.

Wesley: Num 35:27 - This God ordained to oblige the man slayer to abide in his city of refuge.

slayer to abide in his city of refuge.

JFB: Num 35:2 - give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in As the Levites were to have no territorial domain allocated to them like the other tribes on the conquest of Canaan, they were to be distributed throu...

As the Levites were to have no territorial domain allocated to them like the other tribes on the conquest of Canaan, they were to be distributed throughout the land in certain cities appropriated to their use; and these cities were to be surrounded by extensive suburbs. There is an apparent discrepancy between Num 35:4 and Num 35:5, with regard to the extent of these suburbs; but the statements in the two verses refer to totally different things--the one to the extent of the suburbs from the walls of the city, the other to the space of two thousand cubits from their extremity. In point of fact, there was an extent of ground, amounting to three thousand cubits, measured from the wall of the city. One thousand were most probably occupied with outhouses for the accommodation of shepherds and other servants, with gardens, vineyards, or oliveyards. And these which were portioned out to different families (1Ch 6:60) might be sold by one Levite to another, but not to any individual of another tribe (Jer 32:7). The other two thousand cubits remained a common for the pasturing of cattle (Lev 25:34) and, considering their number, that space would be fully required.

JFB: Num 35:6 - there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer The establishment of those privileged sanctuaries among the cities of the Levites is probably traceable to the idea, that they would be the most suita...

The establishment of those privileged sanctuaries among the cities of the Levites is probably traceable to the idea, that they would be the most suitable and impartial judges--that their presence and counsels might calm or restrain the stormy passions of the blood avenger--and that, from their being invested with the sacred character, they might be types of Christ, in whom sinners find a refuge from the destroyer (see Deu 4:43; Jos 20:8).

JFB: Num 35:8 - the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel The burden of furnishing those places for the residence and support of the Levitical order was to fall in equitable proportions upon the different tri...

The burden of furnishing those places for the residence and support of the Levitical order was to fall in equitable proportions upon the different tribes (see Num 33:54; Jos 20:7).

JFB: Num 35:11 - that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares The practice of Goelism, that is, of the nearest relation of an individual who was killed being bound to demand satisfaction from the author of his de...

The practice of Goelism, that is, of the nearest relation of an individual who was killed being bound to demand satisfaction from the author of his death, existed from a very remote antiquity (Gen 4:14; Gen 27:45). It seems to have been an established usage in the age of Moses; and although in a rude and imperfect state of society, it is a natural and intelligible principle of criminal jurisprudence, it is liable to many great abuses; the chief of the evils inseparable from it is that the kinsman, who is bound in duty and honor to execute justice, will often be precipitate--little disposed, in the heat of passion or under the impulse of revenge, to examine into the circumstances of the case, to discriminate between the premeditated purpose of the assassin and the misfortune of the unintentional homicide. Moreover, it had a tendency, not only to foster a vindictive spirit, but in case of the Goel being unsuccessful in finding his victim, to transmit animosities and feuds against his descendants from one generation to another. This is exemplified among the Arabs in the present day. Should an Arab of one tribe happen to kill one of another tribe, there is "blood" between the tribes, and the stain can only be wiped out by the death of some individual of the tribe with which the offense originated. Sometimes the penalty is commuted by the payment of a stipulated number of sheep or camels. But such an equivalent, though offered, is as often refused, and blood has to be repaid only by blood. This practice of Goelism obtained among the Hebrews to such an extent that it was not perhaps expedient to abolish it; and Moses, while sanctioning its continuance, was directed, by divine authority, to make some special regulations, which tended both to prevent the unhappy consequences of sudden and personal vengeance, and, at the same time, to afford an accused person time and means of proving his innocence. This was the humane and equitable end contemplated in the institution of cities of refuge. There were to be six of these legalized asyla, three on the east of Jordan, both because the territory there was equal in length, though not in breadth, to Canaan, and because it might be more convenient for some to take refuge across the border. They were appointed for the benefit, not of the native Israelites only, but of all resident strangers.

JFB: Num 35:16-21 - If he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, &c. Various cases are here enumerated in which the Goel or avenger was at liberty to take the life of the murderer; and every one of them proves a premedi...

Various cases are here enumerated in which the Goel or avenger was at liberty to take the life of the murderer; and every one of them proves a premeditated purpose.

JFB: Num 35:22-28 - But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, &c. Under the excitement of a sudden provocation, or violent passion, an injury might be inflicted issuing in death; and for a person who had thus undesig...

Under the excitement of a sudden provocation, or violent passion, an injury might be inflicted issuing in death; and for a person who had thus undesignedly committed slaughter, the Levitical cities offered the benefit of full protection. Once having reached the nearest, for one or other of them was within a day's journey of all parts of the land, he was secure. But he had to "abide in it." His confinement within its walls was a wise and salutary rule, designed to show the sanctity of human blood in God's sight, as well as to protect the manslayer himself, whose presence and intercourse in society might have provoked the passions of the deceased's relatives. But the period of his release from this confinement was not until the death of the high priest. That was a season of public affliction, when private sorrows were sunk or overlooked under a sense of the national calamity, and when the death of so eminent a servant of God naturally led all to serious consideration about their own mortality. The moment, however, that the refugee broke through the restraints of his confinement and ventured beyond the precincts of the asylum, he forfeited the privilege, and, if he was discovered by his pursuer, he might be slain with impunity.

JFB: Num 35:29-34 - these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations The law of the blood-avenger, as thus established by divine authority, was a vast improvement on the ancient practice of Goelism. By the appointment o...

The law of the blood-avenger, as thus established by divine authority, was a vast improvement on the ancient practice of Goelism. By the appointment of cities of refuge, the manslayer was saved, in the meantime, from the blind and impetuous fury of vindictive relatives; but he might be tried by the local court, and, if proved guilty on sufficient evidence, condemned and punished as a murderer, without the possibility of deliverance by any pecuniary satisfaction. The enactment of Moses, which was an adaptation to the character and usages of the Hebrew people, secured the double advantage of promoting the ends both of humanity and of justice.

Clarke: Num 35:4 - And the suburbs of the cities And the suburbs of the cities - shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

And the suburbs of the cities - shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

Clarke: Num 35:5 - And ye shall measure from without the city - two thousand cubits, etc. And ye shall measure from without the city - two thousand cubits, etc. - Commentators have been much puzzled with the accounts in these two verses. ...

And ye shall measure from without the city - two thousand cubits, etc. - Commentators have been much puzzled with the accounts in these two verses. In Num 35:4 the measure is said to be 1,000 cubits from the wall; in Num 35:5 the measure is said to be 2,000 from without the city. It is likely these two measures mean the same thing; at least so it was understood by the Septuagint and Coptic, who have δισχιλιους πηχεις, 2,000 cubits, in the fourth, as well as in the fifth verse; but this reading of the Septuagint and Coptic is not acknowledged by any other of the ancient versions, nor by any of the MSS. collated by Kennicott and De Rossi. We must seek therefore for some other method of reconciling this apparently contradictory account. Sundry modes have been proposed by commentators, which appear to me, in general, to require full as much explanation as the text itself. Maimonides is the only one intelligible on the subject. "The suburbs,"says he, "of the cities are expressed in the law to be 3,000 cubits on every side from the wall of the city and outwards. The first thousand cubits are the suburbs, and the 2,000, which they measured without the suburbs, were for fields and vineyards."The whole, therefore, of the city, suburbs, fields, and vineyards, may be represented by the diagram.

Clarke: Num 35:11 - Ye shall appoint - cities of refuge Ye shall appoint - cities of refuge - The cities of refuge among the Israelites were widely different from the asyla among the Greeks and Romans, as...

Ye shall appoint - cities of refuge - The cities of refuge among the Israelites were widely different from the asyla among the Greeks and Romans, as also from the privileged altars among the Roman Catholics. Those among the Hebrews were for the protection of such only as had slain a person involuntarily. The temples and altars among the latter often served for the protection of the most profligate characters. Cities of refuge among the Hebrews were necessary, because the old patriarchal law still remained in force, viz., that the nearest akin had a right to avenge the death of his relation by slaying the murderer; for the original law enacted that whosoever shed man’ s blood, by man should his blood be shed, Gen 9:6, and none was judged so proper to execute this law as the man who was nearest akin to the deceased. As many rash executions of this law might take place, from the very nature of the thing, it was deemed necessary to qualify its claims, and prevent injustice; and the cities of refuge were judged proper for this purpose. Nor do we ever read that they were ever found inefficient, or that they were ever abused.

Clarke: Num 35:12 - Until he stand before the congregation in judgment Until he stand before the congregation in judgment - So one of these cities was not a perpetual asylum; It was only a pro tempore refuge, till the c...

Until he stand before the congregation in judgment - So one of these cities was not a perpetual asylum; It was only a pro tempore refuge, till the case could be fairly examined by the magistrates in the presence of the people, or the elders their representatives; and this was done in the city or place where he had done the murder, Jos 20:4, Jos 20:6. If he was found worthy of death, they delivered him to the avenger that he might be slain, Deu 19:12; if not, they sent him back to the city of refuge, where he remained till the death of the high priest, Num 35:25. Before the cities of refuge were appointed, the altar appears to have been a sanctuary for those who had killed a person unwittingly; see on Exo 21:13 (note), and Exo 21:14 (note).

Clarke: Num 35:19 - The revenger of blood The revenger of blood - גאל הדם goel haddam , the redeemer of blood; the next in blood to him who was slain. See on Num 35:12 (note).

The revenger of blood - גאל הדם goel haddam , the redeemer of blood; the next in blood to him who was slain. See on Num 35:12 (note).

Clarke: Num 35:30 - But one witness shall not testify against any But one witness shall not testify against any - This was a just and necessary provision. One may be mistaken, or so violently prejudiced as to impos...

But one witness shall not testify against any - This was a just and necessary provision. One may be mistaken, or so violently prejudiced as to impose even on his own judgment, or so wicked as to endeavor through malice to compass the life of his neighbor: but it is not likely that two or more should be of this kind; and even were they, their separate examination would lead to a discovery of the truth, and to their conviction.

Clarke: Num 35:31 - Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer - No atonement could be made for him, nor any commutation, so as to save him from death. Al...

Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer - No atonement could be made for him, nor any commutation, so as to save him from death. All the laws of the civilized world have either adjudged the murderer to death, or to a punishment equivalent to it; such as perpetual imprisonment, in a dungeon, under ground, on a stone floor, without light, and to be fed on a small portion of bread and water. In such circumstances a man could live but a short time; and though it is not called the punishment of death, yet, from its inevitable consequences, it only differed from it by being a little longer respite than was usual where the punishment of death was awarded. See the note on Gen 9:6.

Clarke: Num 35:32 - Until the death of the priest Until the death of the priest - Probably intended to typify, that no sinner can be delivered from his banishment from God, or recover his forfeited ...

Until the death of the priest - Probably intended to typify, that no sinner can be delivered from his banishment from God, or recover his forfeited inheritance, till Jesus Christ, the great high priest, had died for his offenses, and risen again for his justification.

Clarke: Num 35:33 - For blood it defileth the land For blood it defileth the land - The very land was considered as guilty till the blood of the murderer was shed in it. No wonder God is so particula...

For blood it defileth the land - The very land was considered as guilty till the blood of the murderer was shed in it. No wonder God is so particularly strict in his laws against murderers

1.    Because he is the author of life, and none have any right to dispose of it but himself

2.    Because life is the time to prepare for the eternal world, and on it the salvation of the soul accordingly depends; therefore it is of infinite consequence to the man that his life be lengthened out to the utmost limits assigned by Divine Providence. As he who takes a man’ s life away before his time may be the murderer of his soul as well as of his body, the severest laws should be enacted against this, both to punish and prevent the crime

The Mosaic cities of refuge have in general been considered, not merely as civil institutions, but as types or representations of infinitely better things; and in this light St. Paul seems to have considered them and the altar of God, which was a place of general refuge, as it is pretty evident that he had them in view when writing the following words: "God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things, (his oath and promise), in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation who have Fled for Refuge to lay Hold upon the Hope set before us,"Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Independently of this, it was a very wise political institute; and while the patriarchal law on this point continued in force, this law had a direct tendency to cool and moderate the spirit of revenge, to secure the proper accomplishment of the ends of justice, and to make way for every claim of mercy and equity. But this is not peculiar to the ordinance of the cities of refuge; every institution of God is distinguished in the same way, having his own glory, in the present and eternal welfare of man, immediately in view.

Calvin: Num 35:1 - And the Lord spake unto Moses 1.And the Lord spake unto Moses Although there was no inheritance assigned to the tribe of Levi, yet it was necessary that they should be supplied wi...

1.And the Lord spake unto Moses Although there was no inheritance assigned to the tribe of Levi, yet it was necessary that they should be supplied with dwelling-places. No lands were given then where they might sow and reap; but by way of compensation the tithes were a sufficient means of subsistence, even after deducting the tithes which were paid to the poor. God now, however, makes provision for their residences; and here we must carefully remark, that they were so distributed over the whole land, as to be, as it were, guards regularly posted for the preservation of the worship of God, lest any superstition should creep in, or the people should fall into gross contempt of God. For we know that they were chosen by Him, not only to attend to the ceremonies, but to be the interpreters of the law, and to cherish sincere piety among the people. Now if all had been placed in one station, it was dangerous lest the doctrine of the Law should immediately fall into oblivion through the whole land; and thus the other tribes should grow irreligious. Wherefore the incomparable goodness of God here shone forth, since their punishment was turned as it were into a reward of virtue, and their disgrace into honor; for this dispersion of the tribe of Levi had been foretold by the holy patriarch Jacob, (Gen 46:7,) that their posterity should be scattered in that land, which Levi the father of their race had polluted by a detestable murder and wicked perfidy. God proved eventually that this prophecy, which proceeded from Him, did not fall to the ground unfulfilled; nevertheless, although the Levites were to be banished here and there in token of their disgrace, yet were they set in various parts of the land, that they might retain the other tribes under the yoke of the Law. It was then in God’s wonderful providence that they were rather placed in peculiar and fixed residences, than allowed to mingle themselves promiscuously with the rest of the people; for the cities which God assigned to them were so many schools, where they might better and more freely engage themselves in teaching the Law, and prepare themselves for performing the office of teaching. For if they had lived indiscriminately among the multitude, they were liable to contract many vices, as well as to neglect the study of the Law; but when they were thus collected into separate classes, such an union reminded them that they were divided from the people that they might devote themselves altogether to God. Besides, their cities were like lamps shining into the very furthest corners of the land. They were therefore fortified, as it were, by walls, lest the corruptions of the people should penetrate to them. Their association together also should have stimulated them mutually to exhort each other to confinehey, decent and modest manners, temperance, and other virtues worthy of God’s servants; whilst, if they fell into dissolute habits, they were the less excusable. Thus their cities were like watch towers in which they might keep guard, so as to drive impiety away from the borders of the holy land. Hence was the light of heavenly doctrine diffused; hence was the seed of life scattered; hence were the examples to be sought of holiness and universal integrity.

Calvin: Num 35:4 - And the suburbs of the cities 4.And the suburbs of the cities A discrepancy here appears, from whence a question arises; for Moses first limits the suburbs to a thousand cubits fr...

4.And the suburbs of the cities A discrepancy here appears, from whence a question arises; for Moses first limits the suburbs to a thousand cubits from the city in every direction; and then seems to extend them to two thousand. Some thus explain the difficulty, viz., that the parts nearest to the city were destined for cottages and gardens; and that then there was another space of a thousand cubits left free for their flocks and herds; but this seems only to be invented, in order to elude by the subterfuge the contradiction objected to. My own opinion rather is, that after Moses had given them a boundary of a thousand cubits on every side, he proceeds to shew the way in which they were to be measured, that thus he may obviate all the quarrels which might aria: from their neighbors. It is plain that, when he repeats the same thing twice, the latter verse is only an explanation of the former; and thus it would be absurd, that after having fixed a thousand cubits, he should immediately double that number. But it will be all very consistent, if this measurement be taken in a circuit; for if you draw a circle, and then a line from the center to the circumference, that line will be about a tenth part of the whole circumference; compare then the fourth part of the circle with the straight line which goes to the center, and it will be greater by one part and a half. But, if you leave a thousand cubits for the city, the two thousand cubits 199 in the four parts of the circumference will correspond with one thousand cubits from the city towards each of the boundaries.

It is afterwards prescribed, in accordance with equity, that a greater or less number of cities should be taken according to the size of the possessions belonging to each tribe; for, just as in paying tax or tribute, regard is had to each man’s means, so it was just that every tribe should contribute equitably in proportion to its abundance. As to the cities of refuge, I now omit to explain what their condition was, because this matter relates to the Sixth Commandment; only let us observe that the wretched exiles were entrusted to the care of the Levites, that they might be more safely guarded. Besides, it was probable that those who presided over holy things would be upright and honest judges, so as not to admit men indiscriminately out of hope of advantage, or from carelessness, but only to protect the innocent, after duly examining their case.

Calvin: Num 35:16 - NO PHRASE 16.=== And === if he smite him with an instrument of iron. God appears to contradict Himself, when, a little further on, He absolves involuntary murd...

16.=== And === if he smite him with an instrument of iron. God appears to contradict Himself, when, a little further on, He absolves involuntary murderers, although they may have inflicted the wound with iron or with a stone; whilst here He absolutely declares that whosoever shall smite another with wood, or iron, or a stone, shall be guilty of death; but this is easily explained if we consider his meaning; for, after having pardoned the unintentional act ( errori,) lest 53 any should misconstrue this as affording impunity for crime, He at once anticipates them, and again inculcates what has been said before. By the express mention of iron, wood, and stone, He more dearly explains that no voluntary murders are to be pardoned; else, as laws are wont to be evaded by various subtleties, they would have endeavored, perhaps, to limit what had been said respecting the punishment of murderers to one single species of murder, viz., when a person had been slain with a sword. It is not, then, without cause that God condemns to death every kind of murderer, whether he have committed the crime with a weapon (of iron,) or by throwing a stone, or with a dub; since it is sufficient for his condemnation that he had conceived the intention to do the evil act. It is well known that 54 by the Lex Cornelia, whosoever had carried a weapon with the intention of killing a man was guilty; and Martianus cites the reply of Adrian, — He who has killed a man, if he did it not with the intention of killing him, may be absolved; and he who has not killed a man, but has wounded him with intention to kill him, is to be condemned as a murderer; as Paulus also teaches, that in the said Lex Cornelia, the evil intention ( dolus) is taken for the deed. Another reply of Adrian is very true, That in crimes, the will and not the result must be regarded. Whence that saying of Ulpian, That there is no difference between the man who kills, and him who causes the death of another. Here, therefore, God had no other object than to cut off from murderers all handles for subterfuge, if they should be convicted of a wicked intention, especially when it resulted in an actual attempt; since there was no difference whether they had made use of a sword, or a mallet, or a stone.

Calvin: Num 35:19 - NO PHRASE 19.=== The === revenger 55 of blood himself. When God commanded that murderers should suffer death, He required that they should be condemned by th...

19.=== The === revenger 55 of blood himself. When God commanded that murderers should suffer death, He required that they should be condemned by the judges after due trial; but it seems to savor somewhat of barbarism, that he should now permit the relative of the dead man to take vengeance; for it is a very bad precedent to give the power of the sword to private individuals, and this too in their own cause. It; was indeed formerly permitted, as we shall see in its proper place, to put to death robbers by night, as also it was lawful for the husband, or the father, of a ravished woman to kill the adulterer caught in the fact; but it is absurd that the law should allow a person to avenge the death of his brother. But it is not to be supposed that this license was ever accorded by God, that a man might neglect the public authorities, and inflict punishment on his brothers murderer, wherever he should meet him; for this would have been to give the reins to sudden anger, so that blood would be added to blood. Wherefore it is probable that the danger of this is here denounced, rather than the gate opened to private vengeance; as if it had been said, that unless a provision were made for the innocent, the fury of those whose kindred had been slain, could hardly be restrained; not because it was lawful for them to render violence for violence, but because they would not consider it a crime, and impunity would prove a stimulus even to them, if their just indignation should be pardoned. It must be understood, then, that when a man had been maliciously and willfully killed, a death inflicted by his relative in vengeance was not punished; because it was hard that a man should be capitally condemned as a criminal, who had only slain a murderer already exposed to capital punishment, under the impulse of that love towards his own blood, which is naturally implanted in all. This, however, was tolerated, and not approved of, because, as I have already said, punishments are to be inflicted by public judgment, and not by private will. But, since this indulgence was conceded on account of the people’s hardness of heart, God here reminds them how needful it was to provide an asylum for the innocent, because all murderers would else have been indiscriminately attacked. In short, a comparison is made between the guilty and the innocent, for, unless a just distinction had been drawn, all alike would have been exposed to death. The murderer, he says, is worthy of death, if, perchance, he is met by the kinsman of the man murdered. A remedy is, therefore, to be provided, lest one who is not criminal should accidentally receive the same punishment. Hence, at length it is gathered that a distinction is made between one and the other, by a lawful trial. The mode of procedure is also prescribed, viz., that the congregation should acquit the man who has killed another unwittingly. But because there is some perplexity in the words, it must be observed, that as soon as a person had slain another, he immediately betook himself to the place of refuge, and there declared that he sought shelter. After this declaration, it was open for the relatives of the dead man to lay their accusation, and then, after both parties were heard, judgment was pronounced. Otherwise there is a manifest contradiction in the context, since it is presently added; they “shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled,” whence it appears that, after the exile had presented himself to state his case, and to clear himself, it was usual that a day should be appointed, upon which his accusers should come forward. The sum is, that the murderer should nowhere find refuge, except he were acquitted of his crime. This was an excellent precaution, lest the same punishment should be inflicted upon mischance and criminality, whilst 56 at the same time, by the temporary banishment it was testified how carefully bloodshed was to be avoided. God likewise spared the eyes of those whose brother had been killed, lest their grief should be kept alive by continually beholding (the person who had killed him; 57) and this we gather from verse 26, where impunity is conceded to the relations, if they had caught and killed out of the boundaries of his refuge the man, whose duty it was to withdraw himself; not because the fury of their indignation was excused before God, but because it would else have been difficult to restrain the strong desire of vengeance proceeding from the feelings of human nature.

Calvin: Num 35:28 - Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge 28.Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge. The period of banishment is prescribed, “until the death of the high-priest,” becau...

28.Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge. The period of banishment is prescribed, “until the death of the high-priest,” because it would have been anything but humane that all hopes of restoration should have been cut off from the unhappy exile; and, when a new priest succeeded to reconcile the people to God, this renewal of grace was to propitiate all offenses. Wherefore it was not unreasonable that God should entirely restore those who were only punished for inadvertency.

Calvin: Num 35:30 - Whoso killeth any person 30.Whoso killeth any person, He now returns to willful murderers, whom he will not have spared, but yet not given over to punishment unless convicted...

30.Whoso killeth any person, He now returns to willful murderers, whom he will not have spared, but yet not given over to punishment unless convicted by legal proofs. Literally it is, Whoso smiteth a soul, at the mouth of witnesses he shall slay him that slayeth: and this sentence is obscure, from its brevity, unless a noun be supplied before the second verb; and this may be understood either of the judges or the accuser. In the substance, however, there is no ambiguity, viz., that no one should be condemned unless he be lawfully convicted. Moreover, He declares that one witness would be insufficient, inasmuch as it would be most unjust that a man’s life should be at the mercy of a single tongue. I have already adduced a similar passage, 58 in which Moses gave instructions that no capital causes was to be decided except at the mouth of two or three witnesses: and, because such declarations are of general application, I have purposely assigned to them a separate place. Now again, in referring to the condemnation of murderers, he takes occasion to state that two witnesses are required, since nothing is more likely to occur than that the innocent should be overwhelmed by calumnies and perjury, if it depended on the testimony of any single individual. But, when two are brought forward, it may be discovered in many ways, as has been said, whether there is any falsehood; for, if examined separately, they will scarcely accord in all particulars. But, whilst sure proof is required, in order to the punishment of guilt, so, when the murder is proved, God sternly requires, and commands that it should not remain unpunished. He expressly forbids that the right of refuge should be purchasable, since it would else have been in danger of being a shield for many crimes. When, therefore, He forbids a satisfaction to be taken from any one, who would betake himself to a city of refuge, His object is, that no one should enjoy this benefit, until his innocence was fully established; lest the mercy, whereby the innocent were succored, should be open to bribery.

Calvin: Num 35:33 - So ye shall not pollute the land 33.So ye shall not pollute the land. In this concluding sentence, He again reminds them that, unless they should exercise severe justice against murd...

33.So ye shall not pollute the land. In this concluding sentence, He again reminds them that, unless they should exercise severe justice against murderers, they would be guilty of sin against God; because the land stained with human blood is polluted, and lying under His curse, until expiation has been made. Again, since God dwells in the land of Canaan, having chosen His abode among the children of Israel, his sanctity is also profaned. The sum is, that, in every respect, care should be taken lest the land, which is sacred to God, should be contaminated by bloodshed.

Defender: Num 35:11 - cities of refuge Six cities of refuge out of the forty-eight assigned to the Levites (Num 35:6, Num 35:7), were designated to give those involved in unintentional mans...

Six cities of refuge out of the forty-eight assigned to the Levites (Num 35:6, Num 35:7), were designated to give those involved in unintentional manslaughter (as distinct from murder) refuge from an avenger."

Defender: Num 35:12 - the avenger The "avenger" (Hebrew gaal, also translated "kinsman" or "redeemer") acted under the authority of Gen 9:6, seeking to avenge the death of a near kinsm...

The "avenger" (Hebrew gaal, also translated "kinsman" or "redeemer") acted under the authority of Gen 9:6, seeking to avenge the death of a near kinsman (Heb 6:18)."

Defender: Num 35:30 - one witness At least two witnesses must testify in a capital crime, as a safeguard against one vindictive person causing the death of an innocent person. These wo...

At least two witnesses must testify in a capital crime, as a safeguard against one vindictive person causing the death of an innocent person. These would not necessarily have to be eye-witnesses. Rather they must at least be independent witnesses of circumstantial evidences relevant to the crime."

TSK: Num 35:1 - -- Num 22:1, Num 26:63, Num 31:12, Num 33:50, Num 36:13

TSK: Num 35:2 - -- Lev 25:32, Lev 25:33; Jos 14:3, Jos 14:4, 21:2-42; Eze 45:1-8, Eze 48:8, Eze 48:22; 1Co 9:10-14

TSK: Num 35:3 - -- Jos 21:11; 2Ch 11:14; Eze 45:2

TSK: Num 35:4 - thousand cubits thousand cubits : The Septuagint reads δισχιλιους πηχεις ""two thousand cubits,""as in the following verse; but this reading is no...

thousand cubits : The Septuagint reads δισχιλιους πηχεις ""two thousand cubits,""as in the following verse; but this reading is not acknowledged by any other ancient version, except the Coptic, nor by any of the manuscripts collated by Kennicott and De Rossi. Various modes have been proposed for reconciling the accounts in these two verses, which appear in general to require full as much explanation as the text itself. The explanation of Maimonides is the only one that is intelligible, and appears perfectly satisfactory. ""The suburbs,""says he, ""of the cities are expressed in the law to be 3,000 cubits on every side, from the wall of the city and outwards. The first 1,000 cubits are the suburbs; and the 2,000, which they measured without the suburbs, were for fields and vineyards.""The whole therefore, of the city, suburbs, fields, and vineyards, may be represented by the following diagram:

Fields and vineyards
Suburbs 1,000; Cubits
City 2,000; Cubits

TSK: Num 35:6 - six cities for refuge // to them ye shall add six cities for refuge : Num 35:13, Num 35:14; Deu 4:41-43; Jos 20:2-9, Jos 21:3, Jos 21:13, Jos 21:21, Jos 21:27, Jos 21:32, Jos 21:36, Jos 21:38; Psa...

six cities for refuge : Num 35:13, Num 35:14; Deu 4:41-43; Jos 20:2-9, Jos 21:3, Jos 21:13, Jos 21:21, Jos 21:27, Jos 21:32, Jos 21:36, Jos 21:38; Psa 9:9; Psa 62:7, Psa 62:8, Psa 142:4, Psa 142:5; Isa 4:6; Mat 11:28; Heb 6:18

to them ye shall add : Heb. above them ye shall give

TSK: Num 35:7 - -- Josh. 21:3-42; 1Chr. 6:54-81

Josh. 21:3-42; 1Chr. 6:54-81

TSK: Num 35:8 - possession // from them // he inheriteth possession : Gen 49:7; Exo 32:28, Exo 32:29; Deu 33:8-11; Jos 21:3 from them : Num 26:54, Num 33:54; Exo 16:18; 2Co 8:13, 2Co 8:14 he inheriteth : Heb...

possession : Gen 49:7; Exo 32:28, Exo 32:29; Deu 33:8-11; Jos 21:3

from them : Num 26:54, Num 33:54; Exo 16:18; 2Co 8:13, 2Co 8:14

he inheriteth : Heb. they inherit

TSK: Num 35:10 - -- Num 34:2; Lev 14:34, Lev 25:2; Deu 12:9, Deu 19:1, Deu 19:2

TSK: Num 35:11 - ye shall appoint // unawares ye shall appoint : As the goel , or kinsman, had a right to avenge the death of his relation, by slaying the murderer wherever he found him, the app...

ye shall appoint : As the goel , or kinsman, had a right to avenge the death of his relation, by slaying the murderer wherever he found him, the appointment of these cities was a humane institution for the protection of the involuntary homicide; for they were designed only for the protection of such Num 35:6; Jos 20:2

unawares : Heb. by error, Num 35:22, Num 35:23; Exo 21:13; Deu 4:42, Deu 19:4, Deu 19:5

TSK: Num 35:12 - from the avenger // until he stand from the avenger : Num 35:19, Num 35:25-27; Deu 19:6; Jos 20:3-6, Jos 20:9; 2Sa 14:7 until he stand : Num 35:24; Deu 19:11, Deu 19:12; Jos 20:4-6

TSK: Num 35:13 - six cities six cities : Num 35:6

six cities : Num 35:6

TSK: Num 35:14 - three cities three cities : Deu 4:41-43, Deu 19:8-10; Jos 20:7-9

TSK: Num 35:15 - -- Num 15:16; Exo 12:49; Lev 24:22; Rom 3:29; Gal 3:28

TSK: Num 35:16 - if he smite // the if he smite : Num 35:22-24; Deu 19:11-13 the : Num 35:30-33; Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6; Exo 21:12-14; Lev 24:17

TSK: Num 35:17 - throwing a stone throwing a stone : Heb. a stone of the hand, Exo 21:18

throwing a stone : Heb. a stone of the hand, Exo 21:18

TSK: Num 35:19 - -- Num 35:12, Num 35:21, Num 35:24, Num 35:27; Deu 19:6, Deu 19:12; Jos 20:3, Jos 20:5

TSK: Num 35:20 - if he thrust // by laying if he thrust : Gen 4:5, Gen 4:8; 2Sa 3:27, 2Sa 13:22, 2Sa 13:28, 2Sa 13:29, 2Sa 20:10; 1Ki 2:5, 1Ki 2:6, 1Ki 2:31-33; Pro 26:24; Pro 28:17; Luk 4:29 b...

TSK: Num 35:22 - -- Num 35:11; Exo 21:13; Deu 19:5; Jos 20:3, Jos 20:5

TSK: Num 35:24 - -- Num 35:12; Jos 20:6

TSK: Num 35:25 - abide in it // anointed abide in it : Num 35:28; Jos 20:6; Rom 3:24-26; Eph 2:16-18; Heb 4:14-16, Heb 7:25-28; Heb 9:12-15, Heb 10:19-22 anointed : Exo 29:7; Lev 4:3, Lev 8:1...

TSK: Num 35:26 - -- After the manslayer had been received into the city of refuge, the avenger of blood could only act as prosecutor; and the magistrates, in the presence...

After the manslayer had been received into the city of refuge, the avenger of blood could only act as prosecutor; and the magistrates, in the presence of the people, were appointed to decide the cause according to the rules here laid down. Probably the accused person was tried at or near the place where the deceased had been slain, and where evidence could most easily be brought, and in case he was acquitted by the decision of the judges, and with the approbation of the people, he was conveyed back to the city of refuge, where he was protected as a kind of prisoner at large, till the death of the high priest; when the public loss, and the grief occasioned by it, might be supposed to swallow up all personal regrets and resentments, and then he was permitted to return to his house and estate. But if, in the mean while, he ventured to leave the city, and the avenger met him and slew him, he was supposed to merit his doom by thus neglecting the appointment of God for his preservation, and the avenger must not be punished. This shews that in other cases, if the avenger slew an innocent man on surmise, he was liable to the punishment of a murderer; but if, by the testimony of two credible witnesses, the man who had fled to the city of refuge was adjudged guilty, he must without fail be put to death.

TSK: Num 35:27 - he shall not be guilty of blood he shall not be guilty of blood : Heb. no blood shall be to him, Exo 22:2; Deu 19:6, Deu 19:10

he shall not be guilty of blood : Heb. no blood shall be to him, Exo 22:2; Deu 19:6, Deu 19:10

TSK: Num 35:28 - he should // after the death he should : Joh 15:4-6; Act 11:23, Act 27:31; Heb 3:14, Heb 6:4-8, Heb 10:26-30, Heb 10:39 after the death : Heb 9:11, Heb 9:12, Heb 9:15-17

TSK: Num 35:29 - -- Num 27:1, Num 27:11

TSK: Num 35:30 - -- Deu 17:6, Deu 17:7, Deu 19:15; Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17, Joh 8:18; 2Co 13:1; 1Ti 5:19; Heb 10:28; Rev 11:3

TSK: Num 35:31 - Moreover // guilty of death Moreover : Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6; Exo 21:14; Deu 19:11-13; 2Sa 12:13; 1Ki 2:28-34; Psa 51:14 guilty of death : Heb. faulty to die

Moreover : Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6; Exo 21:14; Deu 19:11-13; 2Sa 12:13; 1Ki 2:28-34; Psa 51:14

guilty of death : Heb. faulty to die

TSK: Num 35:32 - -- Act 4:12; Gal 2:21, Gal 3:10-13, Gal 3:22; Rev 5:9; The region east of Jordan was nearly as long as that on the west, and therefore three cities were ...

Act 4:12; Gal 2:21, Gal 3:10-13, Gal 3:22; Rev 5:9; The region east of Jordan was nearly as long as that on the west, and therefore three cities were appointed in each division. One or other of these cities would be within half a day’ s journey of every part of the land; and as it would rarely happen that the avenger of blood would be on the spot, and none had a right to assault or detain the manslayer, at least if no malicious intention was manifest, the unhappy men would, therefore, get the start of their adversaries, and very few of them be overtaken before they gained the place of refuge. But then they must forsake their families, employments, most important interests, and dearest comforts; and they must neither loiter nor yield to weariness, nor regard difficulties, nor slacken their pace, till they had got safe within the walls of the city. The Jewish writers inform us, that to afford every facility to those who thus fled for their life, the road to these cities was always preserved in good repair; and way-posts, upon which was inscribed REFUGE were placed wherever needful, that they might not so much as hesitate for a moment.

TSK: Num 35:33 - it defileth // the land cannot be cleansed it defileth : Lev 18:25; Deu 21:1-8, Deu 21:23; 2Ki 23:26, 2Ki 24:4; Psa 106:28; Isa 26:21; Eze 22:24-27; Hos 4:2, Hos 4:3; Mic 4:11; Mat 23:31-35; Lu...

it defileth : Lev 18:25; Deu 21:1-8, Deu 21:23; 2Ki 23:26, 2Ki 24:4; Psa 106:28; Isa 26:21; Eze 22:24-27; Hos 4:2, Hos 4:3; Mic 4:11; Mat 23:31-35; Luk 11:50, Luk 11:51

the land cannot be cleansed : Heb. there can be no expiation for the land

TSK: Num 35:34 - Defile not // I dwell // dwell among Defile not : Num 5:3; Lev 20:24-26 I dwell : Psa 135:21; Isa 57:15; Hos 9:3; 2Co 6:16, 2Co 6:17; Rev 21:3, Rev 21:27 dwell among : Num 5:3; Exo 25:8, ...

kecilkan semua
Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Num 35:3 - For their cattle For their cattle for pasturage for their cattle; where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards, or vineyards, no, nor sow corn, for ...

For their cattle for pasturage for their cattle; where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards, or vineyards, no, nor sow corn, for which they were abundantly provided out of the first-fruits and tithes. And these suburbs did not belong to the Levites in common, but were distributed to them in convenient proportions, as may appear from Jos 21:18 1Ch 6:60 .

Poole: Num 35:4 - Object // two thousand // Answ // a thousand cubits round about Object In the next verse it is two thousand How do these agree? Answ 1. LXX. interpreters read both here and Num 35:5 two thousand cubits , whe...

Object In the next verse it is

two thousand How do these agree?

Answ 1. LXX. interpreters read both here and Num 35:5 two thousand cubits , whence some suppose this to be an error in the Hebrew text, which, being in a matter neither concerning faith nor good manners, is not prejudicial to the authority of the Holy Scriptures.

Answ 2. The one thousand cubits may be in length from the city, and the two thousand cubits in breadth on each side of the city, and so they well agree; for a line of a thousand cubits being draw in length eastward, and another westward, and another northward, and another southward, a line drawn at a thousand cubits distance from the city, from east to west, must needs contain two thousand cubits, and so must the other line from north to south, and so on every side of the city there must be two thousand cubits.

Answ 3. This verse and the next do not speak to the same thing: this speaks of the space or place from whence the suburbs shall be measured, the next verse speaks of the space unto which that measure shall be extended; and the words may very well be read thus, And the suburbs— shall be (so it is only an ellipsis of the verb substantive, which is most frequent, and the meaning is, shall be taken or accounted)

from the wall of the city and from (that particle being supplied or understood from the foregoing words, which is very usual) without it , or, from the outward parts of it , (which being a general and indefinite expression is limited and explained by the following words,) even from

a thousand cubits round about which are mentioned not as the thing measured, for as yet there is not a word of measuring , but as the term or space from which the measuring line should begin. And then it follows, Num 35:5 , And ye shall measure from without the city (not from the wall of the city , as was said before, Num 35:4 , but from without it , i.e. from the said outward part or space of a thousand cubits without the wall of the city round about) on the east side two thousand cubits , &c. So in truth there were three thousand cubits from the wall of the city, whereof one thousand probably were for out-houses, stalls for cattle, gardens, vineyards, and olive-yards, and the like, and the other two thousand for pasture, which are therefore called the field of the suburbs , Lev 25:34 , by way of distinction from the suburbs themselves, which consist of the first thousand cubits from the wall of the city.

Poole: Num 35:6 - For refuge // Levites // For the man-slayer For refuge or, of receipt , or escape , or resort , to wit, for man-slayers; and these cities are assigned among the Levites partly, because the...

For refuge or, of receipt , or escape , or resort , to wit, for man-slayers; and these cities are assigned among the

Levites partly, because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between man-slayers and wilful murderers; partly, because their presence, and counsel, and authority would more effectually bridle the passions of the avenger of blood who might pursue him thither; and partly, to signify that it is only in Christ (whom the Levitical priests did represent) that sinners find refuge and safety from the destroyer. The names of these cities, we have Deu 4:41,43 Jos 20:8 .

For the man-slayer such as is here described, Num 35:11,15,22,23 .

Poole: Num 35:8 - Ye shall give many Ye shall give many: compare Num 33:54 Jos 20:2 .

Ye shall give many: compare Num 33:54 Jos 20:2 .

Poole: Num 35:11 - -- i.e. Not wilfully, designedly, or maliciously, but inconsiderately, through mistake, or indiscretion, or carelessness. See Lev 4:2 .

i.e. Not wilfully, designedly, or maliciously, but inconsiderately, through mistake, or indiscretion, or carelessness. See Lev 4:2 .

Poole: Num 35:12 - The avenger // Die not // Before the congregation The avenger to wit, of the party slain, or, of blood , as it is fully expressed below, Num 35:19,25 ; Heb. from the redeemer , or, from the next k...

The avenger to wit, of the party slain, or, of blood , as it is fully expressed below, Num 35:19,25 ; Heb. 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 i.e. be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place.

Before the congregation i.e. before the society or convention of judges or elders, who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were twenty-three, who were to examine the matter, and that publicly before the people, whether the murder was wilful or casual.

Quest . In what city was this cause to be tried?

Answ . Some say in the city of refuge, others say in the city in or near which the fact was committed. It seems to me it was done in both, at first in the city of refuge, as is manifest in Jos 20:4 ; but if that trial and sentence did not satisfy the avenger of blood, it was fully and finally determined in the other city, as is sufficiently evident both by comparing this place with Num 35:25 Jos 20:6 , and from the usual and most reasonable course of justice, which is that facts should be examined, as far as may be, in or near the places where they were committed, and where the witnesses and evidences were at hand. In judgment , or, for judgment , i. e. to receive sentence there according to the nature of the fact.

Poole: Num 35:14 - On this side Jordan 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 i...

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.

Poole: Num 35:15 - For the stranger For the stranger not the proselyte only, but all strangers, this being no matter of religious privilege, but of common right, and agreeable to the la...

For the stranger not the proselyte only, but all strangers, this being no matter of religious privilege, but of common right, and agreeable to the law of nature and practice of wise heathens.

Poole: Num 35:16 - If he smite him // So that he die // Shall surely be put to death If he smite him wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice or design, as appears by comparing this with Num 35:20-23 . So that he d...

If he smite him wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice or design, as appears by comparing this with Num 35:20-23 .

So that he die to wit, suddenly, not so if he walked abroad afterward, Exo 21:19,20 .

Shall surely be put to death yea, though he were fled into the city of refuge.

Poole: Num 35:17 - With throwing a stone With throwing a stone Heb. with the stone of the hand , i.e. cast by the hand, and that knowingly, as appears by Num 35:23 .

With throwing a stone Heb. with the stone of the hand , i.e. cast by the hand, and that knowingly, as appears by Num 35:23 .

Poole: Num 35:19 - -- Either, 1. By himself, as the following words show: so it is only a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself. Or, ...

Either,

1. By himself, as the following words show: so it is only a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself. Or,

2. By the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command, as may appear by comparing this with Num 35:31 Deu 19:12,13 .

Poole: Num 35:22 - Suddenly Suddenly through sudden passion or provocation. Or, by chance , or unawares .

Suddenly through sudden passion or provocation. Or, by chance , or unawares .

Poole: Num 35:24 - -- If the man-slayer flee to the city of refuge.

If the man-slayer flee to the city of refuge.

Poole: Num 35:25 - He shall abide in it // Unto the death of the high priest He shall abide in it be confined to it, partly to show the hatefulness of wilful murder in God’ s account by so severe a punishment, as this in ...

He shall abide in it be confined to it, partly to show the hatefulness of wilful murder in God’ s account by so severe a punishment, as this in many cases might prove, inflicted upon the very appearance of it; and partly for the security of the man-slayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his conversation among the kindred of the deceased, might occasion reproach and bloodshed.

Unto the death of the high priest partly because the public grief for the loss of so public a person was likely to assuage the private griefs and passions of men, the rather, because by this example they were minded of their own mortality, and thereby withheld from taking vengeance; and principally to show that the death of Christ (the true High Priest, whom the others did evidently and eminently represent and typify) is the only mean whereby sins are pardoned, and sinners are set at liberty.

Poole: Num 35:27 - -- i.e. Not liable to punishment from men, though not free from guilt before God, because he kills an innocent person, as appears from Deu 19:10 . This...

i.e. Not liable to punishment from men, though not free from guilt before God, because he kills an innocent person, as appears from Deu 19:10 . This God ordained to oblige the man-slayer to abide in his city of refuge. See Num 35:32 .

Poole: Num 35:30 - -- No judge shall condemn any man to death upon a single testimony.

No judge shall condemn any man to death upon a single testimony.

Poole: Num 35:31 - -- No intercession nor ransom shall be accepted to save his life, or procure him a pardon.

No intercession nor ransom shall be accepted to save his life, or procure him a pardon.

Poole: Num 35:32 - -- Whereby God would signify the absolute and indispensable necessity of Christ’ s death to expiate sin, and to redeem the sinner.

Whereby God would signify the absolute and indispensable necessity of Christ’ s death to expiate sin, and to redeem the sinner.

Poole: Num 35:33 - -- These words are added as a reason not of the last law, Num 35:32 , for in that case the land was cleansed without the blood of the man-slayer. but o...

These words are added as a reason not of the last law, Num 35:32 , for in that case the land was cleansed without the blood of the man-slayer. but of the law next foregoing that, Num 35:31 , in which case it holds; and the sense is, If you shall spare the murderer, or take any satisfaction for him, you do together with yourselves involve your land and people in guilt, and will certainly bring down God’ s vengeance upon yourselves and them.

Poole: Num 35:34 - -- Be not cruel to your own land by making it a den of murderers.

Be not cruel to your own land by making it a den of murderers.

Haydock: Num 35:3 - Cities Cities, in all forty-eight, with a thousand paces round them. This land belonged to the community: but some built upon it, Josue xxi. 18., and 1 Par...

Cities, in all forty-eight, with a thousand paces round them. This land belonged to the community: but some built upon it, Josue xxi. 18., and 1 Paralipomenon vi. 60. The burial place for the Levites lay behind it. (Drusius) ---

In these cities alone, the Levites had houses and gardens of their own; other might live with them, and indeed the cities acknowledged other lords, as Hebron belonged to Caleb, Josue xiv. 14. The Levites were dispersed throughout the land, that they might instruct the people both by word and by example, Deuteronomy xxxiii. 10. They had a clear revenue without labour of husbandry, equivalent to any two of the other tribes. (Abulensis.) ---

Six of their cities were assigned for places of refuge, as they were the proper judges of the cases, in which murder may be excused, and to remind them that hey ought to be very merciful. Hence arose the privileges, granted to some churches, of protecting those who fled to them for an asylum. That none might be hindered from enjoying this benefit, three of these cities were situated on each side of the Jordan, and at equal distances. (Salien)

Haydock: Num 35:4 - Paces Paces. This is equivalent to 2000 cubits, (ver. 5,) or a sabbath day's journey. (Selden, Jur. iii. 9.; St. Jerome, q. 9. ad algas.) Hebrew retains...

Paces. This is equivalent to 2000 cubits, (ver. 5,) or a sabbath day's journey. (Selden, Jur. iii. 9.; St. Jerome, q. 9. ad algas.) Hebrew retains the same word, amma, "cubit," in both verses: but some copies of the Septuagint, Philo, and Josephus, have "2000 cubits," (Calmet) which Dr. Wall and Kennicott deem to be the original reading. (Haydock) ---

Bonfrere would also correct the Hebrew by the Vulgate as a pace among the Greeks consisted of three feet, and a cubit of half that quantity. The geometric pace of the Romans contained five feet, and the sacred cubit of Villalpand half as much; so that 2000 sacred cubits make 1000 geometric paces. Thus the Vulgate is perfectly consistent with itself. (Menochius) ---

Some imagine that Moses speaks of the common cubit here and of the sacred one, which was doubly as large, ver 5. But this is not probable; and the distinction of cubits, (Calmet) at least in his days, (Haydock) is very uncertain. Perhaps Moses may first specify the depth of this space of ground from the wall, and afterwards its length, which would be doubly greater. (Calmet) See Sevius on Jos. xxi. q. 8, &c. ---

The semidiameter was probably 1000 cubits. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: Num 35:5 - Sea Sea. Hebrew simply, "on the west side 2000 cubits, and on the north side 2000 cubits, and the city in the midst. This shall be to them the suburbs ...

Sea. Hebrew simply, "on the west side 2000 cubits, and on the north side 2000 cubits, and the city in the midst. This shall be to them the suburbs of the city."

Haydock: Num 35:6 - Cities Cities. Maimonides pretends, that all forty-eight cities of the Levites were asylums; though only six were bound to receive the fugitive gratis. Mo...

Cities. Maimonides pretends, that all forty-eight cities of the Levites were asylums; though only six were bound to receive the fugitive gratis. Moses had promised a place of refuge, which he now grants, Exodus xxi. 13. The altar and temple enjoyed the like privilege: the latter even till its destruction. (Philo) ---

Josephus mentions only six cities of refuge. Those who could not be supposed to have killed a person designedly were not obliged to flee to them; as, on the other hand, the murderer was not permitted to enter, if his malice were notorious, or his negligence extreme. (Rabbins ep. Selden, Jur. iv. 2.) To be secured at the altar of holocausts, it was necessary to touch the grate. If the judges declared that the person's case was such as the law admitted, he was conducted away, under a strong guard, to one of the cities; or, if he were deemed unworthy, he was put to death, out of the holy place. The altar was commonly the refuge only of priests. Those who were not of Hebrew extraction, could not claim the rights of an asylum, according to the Rabbins. But the contrary seems to be asserted, ver. 15. The roads to the cities of refuge were to be kept in good repair, and in case more than six should be found necessary, three others might be appointed, Deuteronomy xix. 3, 8. This privilege is founded on the law of nature, which decrees that the life of the innocent man, who has had the misfortune to kill another, should not be taken away. Other nations extended this right to almost every crime, that the weak might have an opportunity of defending themselves. The sons of Hercules erected for this purpose the altar of mercy, at Athens. Some of the pagan temples could protect even the greatest criminals, as well as the innocent, who might fear oppression. Those of Apollo, at Delphos, of Bacchus, at Ephesus, &c., were very famous. See Marsham, Chron. sæc. 13. Tiberius found it necessary to recall these privileges among the Greeks, as they were greatly abused. (Tacitus, An. iii. 6.) But his decree ws not much regarded. The Romans had their asylums also, at Naples, &c., where those who had been condemned to die, might be secure. Rome itself was an asylum for all strangers, as St. Augustine remarks, City of God i. The Christian emperors afforded the like privileges to our churches. But some who were guilty of the crimes of adultery, murder, heresy, &c., were deprived of the benefit. (Calmet) ---

Those who fled to the altar among the Jews were first to be purified; (Philo) and if they had committed murder publicly, like Joab, they were dragged away, 3 Kings ii. (Tirinus)

Haydock: Num 35:12 - Kinsman Kinsman, the nearest relation, who was called the revenger of blood, (ver. 25, 27.; Haydock) or the redeemer, because it was his duty to see that j...

Kinsman, the nearest relation, who was called the revenger of blood, (ver. 25, 27.; Haydock) or the redeemer, because it was his duty to see that justice was done to the deceased. When the person, who had involuntarily committed murder, arrived at the city, he was to make his appearance before the judges of it, and, if they thought his account satisfactory, they admitted him, but upon condition that he should take his trial before the judges and the people of that country where the murder had taken place, (ver. 25., and Josue xx. 4, 9.; Tirinus) though some think that the judges of the city of refuge, passed sentence. (Masius; &c.) ---

If it proved favourable, he was bound to remain in the city till the death of the high priest, otherwise the relations might kill him as an outlaw; as they might also if he was declared guilty. In case the murder were voluntary, the judges of the place where it was committed set to demand the criminal, Deuteronomy xix. 11.

Haydock: Num 35:18 - If If, &c. Hebrew, "or he smite him with a wooden weapon, (wherewith he may die,) and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to dea...

If, &c. Hebrew, "or he smite him with a wooden weapon, (wherewith he may die,) and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death." The two former verses are expressed in the same awful manner, intimating that the weapon must be of such a nature that it might easily give a mortal wound, and also that the effect really followed. In these cases, if the person could not clear himself, no refuge or reprieve was allowed. (Haydock) ---

But the deceased must have been killed upon the spot, otherwise the person who struck him could only be required to pay a fine, Exodus xxi. 19. (Menochius)

Haydock: Num 35:19 - Him Him, with impunity. If the judges have passed sentence, he shall be obliged to put it in execution, ver. 21, 31. (St. Augustine, q. 65.) (Estius) -...

Him, with impunity. If the judges have passed sentence, he shall be obliged to put it in execution, ver. 21, 31. (St. Augustine, q. 65.) (Estius) ---

The laws of Athens required also that a relation should put the murderer to death, though the deceased were even of servile condition. (Demost.) ---

Those of Rome condemned the involuntary manslayer to retire for a year, and afterwards to appease some one of the relations, and to offer the sacrifices, and submit to the usual purifications. Even at the present day, the Persians and Arabs deliver the murderer to be slain by the kinsmen of the deceased, after sentence has been passed by the judges.

Haydock: Num 35:21 - Kill him Kill him. It seems, when the case was evident, he was not only permitted, but commanded to punish the criminal. (Bonfrere) (Deuteronomy xix. 12.) ...

Kill him. It seems, when the case was evident, he was not only permitted, but commanded to punish the criminal. (Bonfrere) (Deuteronomy xix. 12.) (Menochius)

Haydock: Num 35:25 - Delivered // High priest Delivered. Hebrew, "the multitude shall deliver the slayer." It seems the judges pronounced sentence, according to the votes of the people assemble...

Delivered. Hebrew, "the multitude shall deliver the slayer." It seems the judges pronounced sentence, according to the votes of the people assembled; (Calmet) or the plurality of voices among the 21 judges decided the matter. (Grotius) (Haydock) ---

High priest. This mystically signified that our deliverance was to be effected by the death of Christ, the high priest and the anointed of God. (Challoner) ---

He rescued us from the hand of the revenger, the devil. (Theodoret, q. 50, 51.) ---

Before his death, the way of our true country was not open, nor secure. (St. Gregory, hom 6. in Ezec.) (Worthington) ---

By this law, Moses shewed a horror for murder, and the respect due to the person of the high priest, during whose life even the involuntary murderer was obliged to keep himself retired in a city of refuge. (Masius) ---

At the death of the pontiff, all Israel put on mourning, so that private injuries were to be forgotten, when the public had such cause for sorrow; and in the mean time the vengeance of kinsmen would relent. (Maimonides; More. iii. 40.) ---

Murder was punished by the Greeks, in the days of Homer, with banishment, though sometimes this was remitted by the relations, for a sum of money. (Iliad ix.) (Calmet)

Haydock: Num 35:27 - Him Him. Custom explained this law, as giving leave to any person to inflict the punishment upon the wandering murderer, though the relation seem only t...

Him. Custom explained this law, as giving leave to any person to inflict the punishment upon the wandering murderer, though the relation seem only to be specified. (Grotius) ---

Some think, that to kill such a person was still criminal in the sight of God. But others believe that, as he had forfeited the privilege of an asylum, by absenting himself from it, (Calmet) the law subjected him to the same rigour with which he might have been treated before he came thither; (ver. 19.; Haydock) and provided proper moderation were observed, and malicious revenge avoided, no guilt would attach to him who executed the implied sentence of death. The Jews observe, that God allows us to revenge another sooner than ourselves, as there is less danger of excess or of delusion. (Calmet)

Haydock: Num 35:30 - Man Man. A person might be tried on such evidence, Deuteronomy xix. 15.

Man. A person might be tried on such evidence, Deuteronomy xix. 15.

Haydock: Num 35:32 - Cities // The banished Cities. Hebrew, "you shall take no money to retire to a city of refuge, to return into his own country, till the death of the priest." The Septuagi...

Cities. Hebrew, "you shall take no money to retire to a city of refuge, to return into his own country, till the death of the priest." The Septuagint supply, "you shall take no redemption money, to permit (a voluntary murderer) to flee into a city of refuge, (nor of an involuntary one,) to return," &c. (Grotius) ---

The banished, may refer to people of the former description, who had gone away to screen themselves from persecution. But they could never be allowed to inhabit the country any more. Their presence would seem to defile it. (Haydock) ---

"You shall not take money of him who has fled to a city of refuge, to suffer him to return home." (Chaldean)

Haydock: Num 35:33 - Defile not Defile not. To inspire a greater horror for murder the earth was represented as defiled by blood, and only to be purified by the death of the crimin...

Defile not. To inspire a greater horror for murder the earth was represented as defiled by blood, and only to be purified by the death of the criminal. Without shedding of blood, there is no remission, Hebrews ix. 22. (Haydock) ---

On the same principle, our churches, &c., are deemed profane when murder, or some great indecencies, have been committed in them, so that they require a fresh consecration. (Calmet)

Gill: Num 35:1 - And the Lord spake to Moses // in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho // saying And the Lord spake to Moses,.... After he had described the borders of the land, and given instructions about the division of it among the several tri...

And the Lord spake to Moses,.... After he had described the borders of the land, and given instructions about the division of it among the several tribes, and named the persons that should be concerned in parting and putting it into the possession of the Israelites, he makes a provision for the Levites; for though they had no inheritance in the land as a tribe, yet it was proper they should have cities and houses to dwell in; for it would not be suitable that they should be always about the tabernacle, as they were in the wilderness; and it is concerning this the Lord is said to speak to Moses:

in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho: where the Israelites now were, and had been for some time:

saying; as follows.

Gill: Num 35:2 - Command the children of Israel // that they give unto the Levites, of the inheritance of their possession, cities to dwell in // and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them Command the children of Israel,.... All the tribes of them; it is not a bare instruction that is given them, much less a mere request that is made to ...

Command the children of Israel,.... All the tribes of them; it is not a bare instruction that is given them, much less a mere request that is made to them, or something proposed, and left to their option whether they would agree to it or not; but it is strictly enjoined them by the Lord, who had given them freely all they should possess, and who had a right to all they had, and to whom they were in duty and gratitude bound to do his will and pleasure: the order is:

that they give unto the Levites, of the inheritance of their possession, cities to dwell in; which was but reasonable and requisite, that the ministers of God, and the assistants of the priests, and who did the service of the congregation, that they should have, habitations for them and their families, as well as food and raiment was provided for them in another way:

and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them; which were partly for ornament to their cities, and partly for their health, that they might have air, and not be too closely confined within the walls of their cities; and also for convenience, that they have room for their cattle, and places to lay up the increase of their fields, as after suggested. Jarchi says, that a suburb was a space and place parted without the city, round about, for the beauty of it; but they were not allowed to build there an house (i.e. to dwell in), nor to plant a vineyard, nor to sow seed; other ground is after provided for such uses.

Gill: Num 35:3 - And cities shall they have to dwell in // and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle // and for their goods // and for all their beasts And cities shall they have to dwell in,.... For them and their families, and indeed for nothing else, they having no trades nor worldly business to ca...

And cities shall they have to dwell in,.... For them and their families, and indeed for nothing else, they having no trades nor worldly business to carry on in them:

and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle; for stables and stalls to put them up in, and for barns and storehouses to lay in provender for them:

and for their goods; where to bestow them, as the increase of their fields, oliveyards, and vineyards, see Luk 12:18.

and for all their beasts; or living creatures; or "for their whole life" z; or livelihood, whatsoever was for the support of it; the Targum of Jonathan adds, by way of explanation, for all their necessities; and so Jarchi.

Gill: Num 35:4 - And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites // shall reach from the walls of the city, and outward, a thousand cubits round about And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites,.... The dimensions and bounds of them were not left to the Israelites, to give wha...

And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites,.... The dimensions and bounds of them were not left to the Israelites, to give what ground they pleased for this purpose, but were fixed to what length they should be: these

shall reach from the walls of the city, and outward, a thousand cubits round about; which was half a sabbath day's journey, and pretty near half a mile, which all around a city must contain a considerable quantity of ground, if the city was of any size, as it is certain that some of them given them at least were.

Gill: Num 35:5 - And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits // and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits // and the city shall be in the midst // this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits,.... Before only 1000 cubits were ordered to bemeasured, and now 2000,...

And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits,.... Before only 1000 cubits were ordered to bemeasured, and now 2000, even 2000 more, which were to be added to the other, and to begin where they ended. The first 1000 were for their cattle and goods, these 2000 for their gardens, orchards, fields, and vineyards; and so the Jewish writers understand it. Jarchi observes, that 1000 cubits are ordered, and after that 2000; and asks, how is this? or how is it to be reconciled? to which he answers, 2000 are put to them round about, and of them the 1000 innermost are for suburbs, and the outermost (i.e. the 2000) are for fields and vineyards; and with this agrees the Misnah a, from whence he seems to have taken it; and the same was to be on every other side of the city, south, west, and north, as follows:

and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; which, added to the other 1000 all around, must make a large circumference of land:

and the city shall be in the midst; in the midst of the circuit of three thousand cubits all around, so that it must stand very pleasant and convenient:

this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities; such a quantity of ground, consisting of so many cubits, shall be assigned to every city; the suburbs or glebe land to a Levite's city, on the four sides were four squares, and each square consisted of seventy six acres, one rood, twenty perches, and eighty square feet; all the four squares amounting to three hundred and five acres, two roods, one perch, besides fifty seven feet square, according to Bishop Cumberland.

Gill: Num 35:6 - And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites // six cities for refuge // which ye shall appoint for the manslayer // that he may flee thither // thou shalt prepare thee a way // and to them ye shall add forty two cities And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites,.... The number of which is not yet expressed, but is afterwards: there shall be six citi...

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites,.... The number of which is not yet expressed, but is afterwards: there shall be

six cities for refuge; a sort of asylums, of which there were many among the Heathens, perhaps in imitation of these, for persons to have recourse to for safety, when in danger of life: the Septuagint render the words, "cities of flight" b; or to flee unto, which certainly was the use of them: to this the apostle alludes when he speaks of some that fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before them, Heb 6:18, the word c used for refuge signifies "gathering or receiving", for here persons in distress gathered or betook themselves; and here they were received, retained, protected, and sheltered: what and where these six cities were to be, and were, is after shown:

which ye shall appoint for the manslayer; not for any and everyone, not for one that killed a man presumptuously and purposely, through enmity and malice, but for one that did it ignorantly, unawares, and without design:

that he may flee thither; with all haste, after the commission of the fact; and, to facilitate his flight, and that he might have no interruption in it, the sanhedrim were obliged to prepare the ways to the cities of refuge, and to make them fit and large; and they removed everything that might cause him to stumble; and they did not leave in the way neither an hillock, nor a dale, nor a river but they made a bridge over it, that nothing might retard him that fled thither, as it is said:

thou shalt prepare thee a way; Deu 19:3 and the breadth of the way to the cities of refuge was not less than thirty two cubits; and at the parting of ways (on posts erected) were written, "refuge, refuge", so that the slayer might know (the way) and turn there (as this directed him): and on the fifteenth of Adar or February, they met every year, to take care of this business d; and they also appointed two disciples of the wise men, or two studious and understanding persons, to accompany him, not so much for the direction of the way, as lest the avenger of blood should meet with him, and slay him in the way; and who were to talk to him, and persuade him not to do it, suggesting to him that it was not done designedly, but unawares, and that it would be a bad thing to kill a man for what he did not intend to do, and which was done without any malice or enmity to the person killed, and with such like words to cool and appease the avenger e:

and to them ye shall add forty two cities; according to the Jewish writers these also were cities of refuge; for so they say f,"all the cities of the Levites receive or are refuges, every one of them is a city of refuge, as it is said, "and to them ye shall add", &c. the Scripture makes them all alike for refuge: what difference is there between cities of refuge, which are separated for refuge, and the rest of the cities of the Levites? the gates of the cities of refuge receive, whether according to knowledge or not, (which Mr. Selden g interprets, whether the inhabitants will or not; but the sense of Maimonides elsewhere h, and of other writers, is plainly this, whether according to the knowledge and intention of the manslayer or not, whether he knows it to be a city of refuge or :not, and whether he purposely came thither for safety or not,) and he that enters into them is safe; but the rest of the cities of the Levites do not receive, but according to knowledge (when the manslayer knowingly and designedly came thither for shelter); and a manslayer that dwells in a city of refuge gives no more for his house, but he that dwells in the other cities of the Levites gives more (or pays for it) to the owner of the house;''but though this is their unanimous opinion, it rather seems, according to the letter of the Scripture, that only six were cities of refuge, and the rest were for the Levites to dwell in by themselves.

Gill: Num 35:7 - So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty eight cities // them shall ye give, with their suburbs So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty eight cities,.... Of these forty eight cities, their names, and what tribes they w...

So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty eight cities,.... Of these forty eight cities, their names, and what tribes they were in, and which of them were particularly cities of refuge, an account is given in Jos 21:10,

them shall ye give, with their suburbs; according to the dimensions before prescribed.

Gill: Num 35:8 - And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel // from them that have many ye shall give many, but from them that have few ye shall give few // everyone shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to his inheritance which he inheriteth And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel,.... What shall fall by lot for their inheritance, and they sh...

And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel,.... What shall fall by lot for their inheritance, and they shall be possessed of; and though they are, shall not refuse, nor grudge to give them, according to the direction of God, whose the land is, they holding it under him:

from them that have many ye shall give many, but from them that have few ye shall give few; which rule was observed; for out of Judah, whose lot was large, and out of Simeon, whose inheritance was within that of Judah, because it was so large, nine cities were given, whereas out of the other tribes only four cities out of each were given, and out of one of them but three, see Jos 21:1,

everyone shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to his inheritance which he inheriteth; and the Levites, being thus dispersed among the several tribes, were of great advantage to them, to instruct them in the knowledge of divine things; so that though hereby Jacob's curse on this tribe had its fulfilment, that it should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, yet that became a blessing to the rest of the tribes; see Gen 49:7.

Gill: Num 35:9 - And the Lord spake unto Moses // saying And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, or he continued his speech unto him: saying: as follows.

And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, or he continued his speech unto him:

saying: as follows.

Gill: Num 35:10 - Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them // when ye come over Jordan into the land of Canaan Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,.... Now, directly: when ye come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; as they quickly would, b...

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,.... Now, directly:

when ye come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; as they quickly would, being now very near it, and of which there was the utmost certainty, since the Lord had promised to bring them over that river, and put them in possession of that land.

Gill: Num 35:11 - Then ye shall appoint your cities to be cities of refuge for you // that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares; or through error Then ye shall appoint your cities to be cities of refuge for you,.... And, according to the Jewish writers i, these were neither to be made large nor ...

Then ye shall appoint your cities to be cities of refuge for you,.... And, according to the Jewish writers i, these were neither to be made large nor little, but middling; and they appointed them where there were markets and fairs, at which goods were to be sold; and where there was plenty of water, and a multitude of people; and where there were but few, they fetched others from other places; and they neither made nets for hunting, nor twisted ropes in them, nor sold any warlike instruments, lest the avenger of blood should use himself to come thither, under pretence of buying such things, and kill the manslayer:

that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares; or through error k, or mistake, not on purpose, with design, or through malice and enmity, as is afterwards more largely explained.

Gill: Num 35:12 - And they shall be unto you cities of refuge from the avenger // that the manslayer die not // until he stand before the congregation in judgment And they shall be unto you cities of refuge from the avenger,.... Or near kinsman; for as the right of redemption of an estate that was mortgaged belo...

And they shall be unto you cities of refuge from the avenger,.... Or near kinsman; for as the right of redemption of an estate that was mortgaged belonged to such an one, so of revenging the blood of any one that was killed:

that the manslayer die not; by the hand of the avenger, who in the heat of his passion would, could he come at him, fall upon him, and slay him, to avenge the death of his relation on him:

until he stand before the congregation in judgment; before the court of judicature, to be examined, tried, and judged, whether the murder was committed knowingly and willingly, or whether through mistake and at unawares: this was done either before the court of judicature in the city of refuge, who took cognizance of such cases directly, that they might know whom to harbour and protect, and whom not; or before the court in the place where the act was committed: interpreters are divided about this; and Calmet l is of opinion that he was examined in both courts, first more strictly in the city of refuge, and then more slightly in the place where it was done, which is not improbable; however, this seems manifest from Num 35:25, that the court where it was committed had power to fetch him from the city of refuge, and set him before them, and examine into the case; and, if an innocent person, restored him to the city of refuge, whither he had fled.

Gill: Num 35:13 - And of these cities which ye shall give // six cities shall ye have for refuge And of these cities which ye shall give,.... Of the forty eight cities they were to give to the Levites, Num 35:7, six cities shall ye have for ref...

And of these cities which ye shall give,.... Of the forty eight cities they were to give to the Levites, Num 35:7,

six cities shall ye have for refuge; which, I think, makes it clear, that not all the forty eight cities were for refuge, only six of them.

Gill: Num 35:14 - Ye shall give three cites on this side Jordan // and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan // which shall be cities of refuge Ye shall give three cites on this side Jordan,.... Which were Bezer in the wilderness, out of the tribe of Reuben; and Ramoth in Gilead, out of the tr...

Ye shall give three cites on this side Jordan,.... Which were Bezer in the wilderness, out of the tribe of Reuben; and Ramoth in Gilead, out of the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, out of the tribe of Manasseh, Jos 20:8,

and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan: which were Kadesh in Galilee, in Mount Naphtali; Shechem in Mount Ephraim; and Kirjatharba, or Hebron, in the mountain of Judah, Jos 20:7.

which shall be cities of refuge; the three on the other side Jordan, the Jews say, were separated by Moses, and the three in the land of Canaan by Joshua, but not one of them was a refuge until they were all separated m: it may seem strange that there should be as many in the two tribes and a half on the other side Jordan, as in the nine tribes and a half in the land of Canaan; let it be observed, what the Jewish writers, say n, Moses separated three cities beyond Jordan, and opposite them Joshua separated three in the land of Canaan; and they were like two rows in a vineyard, Hebron in Judea was opposite Bezer in the wilderness; Shechem in Mount Ephraim was opposite Ramoth in Gilead; Kadesh in Mount Naphtali was opposite Golan in Bashan; and the three were so disposed, that there was as much space from the south (of the land of Israel) to Hebron as from Hebron to Shechem; and as much from Hebron to Shechem as from Shechem to Kadesh; and as much from Shechem to Kadesh as from Kadesh to the north beyond Jordan; and it should be known that the land of the tribes beyond Jordan extended in length as far as the land of Canaan, and was equal to it, running along it; so that those in the land of Canaan could soon and easily get over Jordan to the cities of refuge there, if there was occasion; besides, there is a direction given, that if their coast should be enlarged, they were to add three cities more in the land of Canaan, Deu 19:8, hence the Jews have a notion, that in the days of the Messiah those three cities will be added o; but the Messiah is come already, and is the antitype of them all.

Gill: Num 35:15 - These six cities shall be a refuge both for the children of Israel and for the stranger // and for the sojourner among you // that everyone that killeth any person unawares may flee thither These six cities shall be a refuge both for the children of Israel and for the stranger,.... For an Israelite, and a proselyte of righteousness, one t...

These six cities shall be a refuge both for the children of Israel and for the stranger,.... For an Israelite, and a proselyte of righteousness, one that embraced the Jewish religion, and in all things conformed to it, and to whom there was but one law in things civil and religious:

and for the sojourner among you; the proselyte of the gate, who renounced idolatry, and observed the commands of the sons of Noah, but in other things did not comply with the Jewish ceremonies, yet had the benefit of the cities of refuge equally with the other; though the Jews say p, such a proselyte or sojourner had only this privilege, who slew a proselyte, but not if he slew an Israelite; but for this distinction there is no foundation in the text:

that everyone that killeth any person unawares may flee thither; whether an Israelite, or a proselyte of righteousness or of the gate.

Gill: Num 35:16 - And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die // he is a murderer // the murderer shall surely be put to death And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die,.... As with an hatchet, hammer, sword, knife, &c. he is a murderer; the instrument ...

And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die,.... As with an hatchet, hammer, sword, knife, &c.

he is a murderer; the instrument used by him, and with which he smote, shows that he had a bad design, and intended to kill, or he would never have smitten a man with such an instrument:

the murderer shall surely be put to death; be condemned to death, and be executed, by the order of the civil magistrate, according to the law in Gen 9:6 and not be allowed the benefit of a city of refuge.

Gill: Num 35:17 - And if he smite him with throwing a stone // wherewith he may die // and he die // he is a murderer, and the murderer shall surely be put to death And if he smite him with throwing a stone,.... "Or with a stone of the hand" q, which the Jews interpret of a stone so big as to fill a man's hand, an...

And if he smite him with throwing a stone,.... "Or with a stone of the hand" q, which the Jews interpret of a stone so big as to fill a man's hand, and so

wherewith he may die; at whom it is thrown; is sufficient to cause his death, if struck with it; so the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it of a"stone of fulness of hands, which is sufficient that a man may die with it,''or be killed by it:

and he die; by the blow he receives from it, either immediately or in a short time after:

he is a murderer, and the murderer shall surely be put to death; as in the above case.

Gill: Num 35:18 - Or if he smote him with an hand weapon of wood // wherewith he may die, and he die // he is a murderer, and the murderer shall surely be put to death Or if he smote him with an hand weapon of wood,.... A stick, or staff, or club: wherewith he may die, and he die; which is sufficient to kill a man...

Or if he smote him with an hand weapon of wood,.... A stick, or staff, or club:

wherewith he may die, and he die; which is sufficient to kill a man, as the same Targum explains it; and a man dies with the blow that is given him by it:

he is a murderer, and the murderer shall surely be put to death; no pardon given him, or the benefit of the city of refuge allowed him.

Gill: Num 35:19 - The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer // when he meeteth him he shall slay him The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer,.... Not only shall have power to do it, but, as it seems, should be obliged to do it; be the ex...

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer,.... Not only shall have power to do it, but, as it seems, should be obliged to do it; be the executioner of the murderer; but not before his case has been heard, examined, tried, and judged; wherefore the Targum of Jonathan adds,"in judgment,''that is, as Onkelos explains it,"when he is condemned by judgment,''the court of judicature:

when he meeteth him he shall slay him; the first opportunity he has, even though, as Jarchi says, if he meets him in the midst of one of the cities of refuge, and no judgment is passed on him.

Gill: Num 35:20 - But if he thrust him of hatred // or hurl at him by lying in wait, that he die But if he thrust him of hatred,.... Or, "and if" r, since the Scripture is still speaking of such that shall die for murder, though in another instanc...

But if he thrust him of hatred,.... Or, "and if" r, since the Scripture is still speaking of such that shall die for murder, though in another instance, without having the privilege of a city of refuge; if he thrusts him with a sword or knife, or rather, since, if anything of that kind is included in the first instance of smiting with an instrument of iron, push him down from an high place, as Aben Ezra; so the men of Nazareth intended to have dispatched Christ in that way, Luk 4:29.

or hurl at him by lying in wait, that he die; as a bowing wall, as the same writer instances in, push down that upon him as he passes along, lying in wait for him; or throws anything at him, with an intention to kill him, and does; or casts down anything upon him, a large stone, or anything else, by which he dies.

Gill: Num 35:21 - Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die // he that smote him shall surely be put to death, for he is a murderer // the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer when he meeteth him Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die,.... Give him a blow with his fist, on some part of his body where life is most in danger, and which...

Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die,.... Give him a blow with his fist, on some part of his body where life is most in danger, and which issues in death:

he that smote him shall surely be put to death, for he is a murderer; and therefore, according to the original law, ought to die, without reprieve or pardon; and notwithstanding this law made for cities of refuge, which were to be denied him:

the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer when he meeteth him: that is, when he is condemned, as both the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan interpret it, after a hearing and trial of his case.

Gill: Num 35:22 - But if he thrust him suddenly, without enmity // or have cast upon him anything // and without lying of wait But if he thrust him suddenly, without enmity,.... Push him from a precipice, before he is aware, without any malicious design against his life, but m...

But if he thrust him suddenly, without enmity,.... Push him from a precipice, before he is aware, without any malicious design against his life, but merely through accident:

or have cast upon him anything; from the top of a house, or from a building he is pulling down, or pushes a bowing wall upon him, not knowing that he is passing by it:

and without lying of wait: or having contrived to do it, just as he goes along, or in any other similar way.

Gill: Num 35:23 - Or with any stone wherewith a man may die // seeing him not // and cast it upon him that he die // and was not his enemy, neither sought him harm Or with any stone wherewith a man may die,.... Which is sufficient to kill a man, if thrown at him: seeing him not; and so without intention: the J...

Or with any stone wherewith a man may die,.... Which is sufficient to kill a man, if thrown at him:

seeing him not; and so without intention: the Jews s from hence gather, that a blind man is to be acquitted and dismissed, and not banished and so stands in no need of a city of refuge; though others say he is to be banished, and needs it, and ought to have the privilege of it:

and cast it upon him that he die; casting, it upon another account, and with another view, but yet falling upon a man, it kills him:

and was not his enemy, neither sought him harm; it was never known that they were at variance, or that the slayer had ever by any overt act discovered any malice and enmity against the deceased, by word or deed, or ever sought to do him any injury, either to his person or property.

Gill: Num 35:24 - Then the congregation // shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood // according to these judgments Then the congregation,.... That is, the court of judicature, assembled together to hear and try this cause: shall judge between the slayer and the ...

Then the congregation,.... That is, the court of judicature, assembled together to hear and try this cause:

shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood; shall hear what both have to say, and pass sentence:

according to these judgments; these judicial laws and rules of judgment before delivered, exemplified in various cases.

Gill: Num 35:25 - And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood // and the congregation shall restore him to the city of refuge, whither he was fled // and he shall abide in it, unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood,.... Put him under the care of proper persons, to conduct him to...

And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood,.... Put him under the care of proper persons, to conduct him to one of the cities of refuge, or put him in the way to it; and restrain the avenger of blood from pursuing him, until such time that it may be judged he is safe arrived there:

and the congregation shall restore him to the city of refuge, whither he was fled; so that it seems by this, when one had been guilty of manslaughter, and fled to one of the cities of refuge, he might be taken from thence and had before a court of justice, and there take his trial; and if it appeared that the fact was committed by him, ignorantly, unawares, and without design, then he was returned to his city of refuge; but, if otherwise, he was put to death, notwithstanding he had fled thither; and so it is said in the Misnah t, that"at first, or formerly, one that killed another ignorantly or presumptuously, they sent him before to one of the cities of refuge, and the sanhedrim sent and fetched him from thence: he who was condemned to death by the court, they slew him; he that was not condemned was dismissed; he that was condemned to banishment they returned him to his place, according to Num 35:25."

and he shall abide in it, unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil: and then he was to be set at liberty, and return to his house and family and have his former possessions and honours, if he had any, restored unto him, the commission or warrant for his detainer there ceasing, being made void by the death of the high priest; who was the prince of the priests and Levites, to whom those cities belonged, and so under his jurisdiction: or so it was ordered, because such was the general mourning for such a public loss as an high priest, that all private revenges would subside, and the cause of them be buried, in grief and forgetfulness; though, no doubt, this had a respect to something which will be hereafter taken notice of: the Jews say u, that the mothers of the priests used to supply with a sufficient quantity of food and raiment such who fled to the cities of refuge, that they might not pray for the death of their sons; and according to them, a man's case was very bad when there was no high priest; for so they write w"he whose cause is finished (or his case determined in a court of judicature), and there is no high priest; and he that slays an high priest, or an high priest slays another, he never goes out, no not so much as to bear testimony in any cause, and even in what the congregation has need of him, but there are his dwelling, his death, and his burial.''

Gill: Num 35:26 - But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge // whither he was fled But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge,.... Which seems to be the three thousand cubits assigned to eve...

But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge,.... Which seems to be the three thousand cubits assigned to every city of the Levites, and so to the cities of refuge; and which, according to the Jewish writers, were a refuge, as the city itself; and it is said x,"he, that kills a man there, is killed for him, but though the border is a refuge, the slayer does not dwell in it, as it is said. Num 35:25, "he shall abide in it", but not in its borders:"

whither he was fled; on account of manslaughter.

Gill: Num 35:27 - And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge // and the revenger of blood kill the slayer // he shall not be guilty of blood And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge,.... Without the suburbs, fields, and vineyards belonging to it: a...

And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge,.... Without the suburbs, fields, and vineyards belonging to it:

and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; being exasperated against him, and to avenge the blood of his relation on him:

he shall not be guilty of blood; or be reckoned murderer, or die for it.

Gill: Num 35:28 - 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 the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest,.... Nothing could give him his liberty but his death; so...

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 in such cases for such persons, and was a considerable benefit and privilege, yet it carried in it some appearance of a punishment; since such a person was confined within the boundaries of one of the cities of refuge as long as the high priest lived; and this was done to make persons cautious how they were any way accessory to the death of another, though without design:

but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession; to that part of the land, and to that tribe to which he belonged, to his house and family, and to his possessions and inheritances, whatever he had, and to all the honours and privileges he before enjoyed, and under no danger from the avenger of blood henceforward: a custom somewhat like this has prevailed in some parts of Africa, as Leo Africanus y relates, that if a man happened to kill another, all the friends of the deceased conspired to kill him, but if they could not effect it, then the guilty person was proclaimed an exile from the city, for the whole space of seven years; and at the expiration of the whole seven years, when he returned from his exile, the chief men of the city invited him to a feast, and so he was restored to his liberty: temples, groves, altars, and statues, were common among other nations for asylums or refuges, but whole cities very rarely with the ancients; it seems there were some z.

Gill: Num 35:29 - So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you // throughout your generations in all your dwellings So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you,.... A judicial law, according to which they were to proceed in all the above cases: th...

So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you,.... A judicial law, according to which they were to proceed in all the above cases:

throughout your generations in all your dwellings; throughout all ages, as long as they dwelt in the land of Canaan, even unto the times of the Messiah, in whom the things figured hereby had their accomplishment: the cities of refuge were types of Christ: hence a divine person, even the Messiah, is often spoken of as the refuge of his people, Psa 9:9 with which compare Heb 6:18 these were places to flee to, as the word is rendered by the Greek version; to Christ sensible sinners flee for shelter and safety, which supposes danger in themselves from the law and justice of God; a sense of that danger which makes them flee from wrath to come; a view of Christ, as a place of refuge, and that no other but he will serve their purpose, and therefore make all the haste and speed they can unto him. The word properly signifies cities of gathering, or of reception. There was a gathering of the elect of God to Christ at his death; and there is another at effectual calling, which is an act of God's grace, and a distinguishing one, when souls gather to Christ as their Saviour for righteousness, peace, pardon, rest, and everlasting life; and when Christ receives them, though sinners, into his arms, and into his heart, and into open fellowship with him, so as to dwell in him, where they dwell pleasantly and safely; he receives them into his house here, and into heaven hereafter; and by, and in Christ, those that flee to him, and are received by him, are retained and preserved from Satan, law, hell and death. The cities of refuge were of God's appointing; so Christ, as a Saviour, and rock of refuge to his people, is appointed and foreordained of God; they were well known for refuges, as the Lord is in the places of Zion; they were open for all, at all times, as Christ is for all sinners, even the chief of sinners, Jews or Gentiles; they are all one in Christ, the Israelite, and the stranger and sojourner; all impediments were removed out of the way of them, and plain directions to them given, as are in the Gospel, and by the ministers of it; and there is always room in Christ for such that flee to him, as there was in those cities; and being in him, they are safe from the curse and condemnation of the law, from wrath to come, and from the second death; and their redemption and atonement, peace and reconciliation, liberty, life and salvation, are owing to the death of Christ, their high priest. Abendana a observes, that the death of the high priest atoned for the offence (of manslaughter), which was the reason the manslayer continued in the city of refuge till his death, and then was released: however, certain it is, that the death of Christ, our high priest, atones for every sin of those that flee to him, and by which they are reconciled to God. In some things there is a difference between these cities of refuge and Christ; they were six, he but one; they were for such only who shed blood ignorantly, he for such that were enemies to him, and lived in malice towards others, and guilty of the most enormous crimes: to be in these cities of refuge was a kind of exile and imprisonment, but they that are in Christ are freemen; it was possible that such might die that were in them, and at most were only delivered from temporal death, but they that flee to Christ for refuge are saved with an everlasting salvation.

Gill: Num 35:30 - Whoso killeth any person // the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses Whoso killeth any person,.... Willingly, and through enmity and malice: the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses; which is ...

Whoso killeth any person,.... Willingly, and through enmity and malice:

the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of two witnesses; which is repeated partly to show, that this law concerning the cities of refuge was not designed to screen a murderer, who was guilty through malice prepense; and partly for the sake of what is added to it, that two witnesses are required in such a case, where a man's life is at stake, to prove the fact against him; which shows how careful the Lord is, and men should be, of the lives of his creatures, that no man suffer wrongfully; which is repeated again and again, that it might be observed, see Deu 17:6 but one witness shall not testify against any person, to cause him to die; which looks as if in other cases, in pecuniary matters, and the like, where life is not concerned, one witness may be sufficient; though it is always best and safest to have more if they can be had, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses everything may be established, Deu 19:15.

Gill: Num 35:31 - Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer // which is guilty of death Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer,.... Though he would give all his wealth and substance, all his estates and possess...

Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer,.... Though he would give all his wealth and substance, all his estates and possessions, and whatever he is worth in the world; for all that a man has he will give for his life; but these are not to be taken, nor anything, and everything his friends may offer for him; all is to be rejected, the life of such a man is not to be saved on any consideration:

which is guilty of death; as he is who kills a man willingly and purposely; but one may be guilty of killing another, and yet not be deserving of death, when it is done ignorantly and accidentally with respect to him, for which reason this clause is added: but he shall be surely put to death; by the order of the civil magistrate; and if this is not done either through want of evidence, or the fault of the judge, or the criminal clemency of the chief governor, God sooner or later will take vengeance on such a person.

Gill: Num 35:32 - Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge // that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge,.... Though for killing a man unawares: that he should come ...

Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge,.... Though for killing a man unawares:

that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest; the high priest; such a man's liberty was not to be purchased with money, nor even his life to be bought off, should he be taken without his city; a great ransom could not deliver him from the avenger, because he was guilty of this law, which so wisely and mercifully provided for him; and consequently guilty also of great ingratitude to God, as well as of a breach of his law, and of disrespect to his high priest, under whom he was protected.

Gill: Num 35:33 - So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are // for blood it defileth the land // and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are,.... The land of Canaan, as it had been by the old inhabitants of it, by idolatry, adultery, and murde...

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are,.... The land of Canaan, as it had been by the old inhabitants of it, by idolatry, adultery, and murder:

for blood it defileth the land: the shedding of innocent blood defiles a nation, and the inhabitants of it, brings guilt thereon, and subjects to punishment:

and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it; or "there can be no expiation" b, or "atonement made" for it in any other way; the blood of the murderer is required at his hands, and nothing short of it will satisfy law and justice, see Gen 9:6.

Gill: Num 35:34 - Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inherit // wherein I dwell // for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inherit,.... By the commission of such atrocious crimes, or suffering them to go unpunished, or by taking...

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inherit,.... By the commission of such atrocious crimes, or suffering them to go unpunished, or by taking a compensation for the life of the guilty person:

wherein I dwell; which is added to strengthen the exhortation, and as giving a reason why care should be taken not to pollute it, because the Holy God dwells there; as he did in the tabernacle erected for him, and in such a peculiar manner as he did not in other lands:

for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel; he now dwelt among them as their God, and their King; his tent or tabernacle being pitched in the midst of the camps of Israel; and so he would continue to dwell among them when they were come to the land of Canaan, so long as they observed his laws, statutes, and ordinances; and therefore it behoved them to be careful that they did not pollute themselves and their land, and cause him to depart from them.

buka semua
Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Ayat / Catatan Kaki

NET Notes: Num 35:1 For location see Map5 B2; Map6 E1; Map7 E1; Map8 E3; Map10 A2; Map11 A1.

NET Notes: Num 35:2 Heb “they”; the referent (the Israelites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: Num 35:4 Heb “one thousand cubits.” The standard cubit in the OT is assumed by most authorities to be about eighteen inches (45 cm) in length, so t...

NET Notes: Num 35:5 The precise nature of the layout described here is not altogether clear. V. 4 speaks of the distance from the wall as being 500 yards; v. 5, however, ...

NET Notes: Num 35:6 The “manslayer” is the verb “to kill” in a participial form, providing the subject of the clause. The verb means “to kil...

NET Notes: Num 35:10 The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text, but has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: Num 35:16 the verb is the preterite of “die.” The sentence has :“if…he strikes him and he dies.” The vav (ו) consecutive is ...

NET Notes: Num 35:19 The participle גֹּאֵל (go’el) is the one who protects the family by seeking vengeance for a crime. This is t...

NET Notes: Num 35:20 The Hebrew text is more vivid: “by lying in wait.”

NET Notes: Num 35:25 Heb “in it.”

NET Notes: Num 35:28 Heb “he.”

NET Notes: Num 35:29 Heb “a statute of judgment” (so KJV).

NET Notes: Num 35:30 The verb should be given the nuance of imperfect of potentiality.

NET Notes: Num 35:32 Heb “the priest.” The Greek and the Syriac have “high priest.” The present translation, along with many English versions, uses...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:2 Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the ( a ) Levites of the inheritance of their possession ( b ) cities to dwell in; and ye shall gi...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:5 And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side ( c ) two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the ( d ) avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. ...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:14 Ye shall give three cities ( e ) on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, [which] shall be cities of refuge. ( e ) ...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:16 And if he ( f ) smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. ( f ) Wittingly,...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:17 And if he smite him with throwing a ( g ) stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. ( g...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:24 Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the ( h ) revenger of blood according to these judgments: ( h ) That is, his next kinsman.

Geneva Bible: Num 35:25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refu...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:27 And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the ( k ) slayer; he shall not be gui...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:29 So these [things] shall be for a ( l ) statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. ( l ) A law to judge murders d...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:31 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] ( m ) guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. ( m ) Who p...

Geneva Bible: Num 35:33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be ( n ) cleansed of the blood that is shed the...

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Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Rentang Ayat

MHCC: Num 35:1-8 - --The cities of the priests and Levites were not only to accommodate them, but to place them, as religious teachers, in several parts of the land. For t...

MHCC: Num 35:9-34 - --To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide the more effectually for the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased...

Matthew Henry: Num 35:1-8 - -- The laws about the tithes and offerings had provided very plentifully for the maintenance of the Levites, but it was not to be thought, nor indeed w...

Matthew Henry: Num 35:9-34 - -- We have here the orders given concerning the cities of refuge, fitly annexed to what goes before, because they were all Levites' cities. In this par...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:1-3 - -- Appointment of Towns for the Levites. - As the Levites were to receive no inheritance of their own, i.e., no separate tribe-territory, in the land o...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:4-5 - -- The pasture lands of the different towns were to measure "from the town wall outwards a thousand cubits round about," i.e., on each of the four side...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:6-8 - -- Of these cities which were given up to the Levites, six were to serve as cities of refuge (see at Num 35:12) for manslayers, and in addition to the...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:9-11 - -- Selection and Appointment of Cities of Refuge for Unpremeditated Manslayers. - Num 35:10, Num 35:11. When the Israelites had come into the land of C...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:12-15 - -- These towns were to serve for a refuge from the avenger of blood, that the manslayer might not die before he had taken his trial in the presence of ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:16-18 - -- Special instructions are given in Num 35:16-28, with reference to the judicial procedure. First of all (Num 35:16-21), with regard to qualified slay...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:19 - -- The avenger of blood could put him to death, when he hit upon him, i.e., whenever and wherever he met with him.

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:20-23 - -- And so also the man who hit another in hatred, or threw at him by lying in wait, or struck him with the hand in enmity, so that he died. And if a mu...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:24-25 - -- In such a case as this, the congregation was to judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood, according to the judgments before them. They were...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:26-28 - -- If he left the city of refuge before this, and the avenger of blood got hold of him, and slew him outside the borders (precincts) of the city, it wa...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:29-32 - -- If, therefore, the confinement of the unintentional manslayer in the city of refuge was neither an ordinary exile nor merely a means of rescuing him...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:33 - -- The Israelites were not to desecrate their land by sparing the murderer; as blood, i.e., bloodshed or murder, desecrated the land, and there was no ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Num 35:34 - -- And they were not to desecrate the land in which they dwelt by tolerating murderers, because Jehovah, the Holy One, dwelt in it, among the children ...

Constable: Num 26:1--36:13 - --II. Prospects of the younger generation in the land chs. 26--36 The focus of Numbers now changes from the older ...

Constable: Num 33:1--36:13 - --B. Warning and encouragement of the younger generation chs. 33-36 God gave the final laws governing Isra...

Constable: Num 33:50--Deu 1:1 - --2. Anticipation of the Promised Land 33:50-36:13 "The section breaks down into two groups of thr...

Constable: Num 35:1-8 - --Levitical cities 35:1-8 The previous chapter dealt with the general borders of t...

Constable: Num 35:9-34 - --Cities of refuge 35:9-34 Six of these Levitical towns were also cities of refuge...

Guzik: Num 35:1-34 - Levitical Cities, Cities of Refuge Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities, Cities of Refuge A. Appointment of the Levitical cities. 1. (1-3) The command to provide cities and command-lands for...

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Pendahuluan / Garis Besar

JFB: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) NUMBERS. This book is so called because it contains an account of the enumeration and arrangement of the Israelites. The early part of it, from the fi...

JFB: Numbers (Garis Besar) MOSES NUMBERING THE MEN OF WAR. (Num. 1:1-54) THE ORDER OF THE TRIBES IN THEIR TENTS. (Num. 2:1-34) THE LEVITES' SERVICE. (Num. 3:1-51) OF THE LEVITE...

TSK: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) The book of Numbers is a book containing a series of the most astonishing providences and events. Every where and in every circumstance God appears; ...

TSK: Numbers 35 (Pendahuluan Pasal) Overview Num 35:1, Eight and forty cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof; Num 35:6, Six of them are to be cities of refu...

Poole: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) FOURTH BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED NUMBERS THE ARGUMENT This Book giveth us a history of almost forty years travel of the children of Israel through th...

Poole: Numbers 35 (Pendahuluan Pasal) CHAPTER 35 Eight and forty cities given to the Levites, together with their suburbs; among which six cities of refuge, for an Israelite or stranger...

MHCC: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) This book is called NUMBERS from the several numberings of the people contained in it. It extends from the giving of the law at Sinai, till their arri...

MHCC: Numbers 35 (Pendahuluan Pasal) (Num 35:1-8) The cities of the Levites. (v. 9-34) The cities of refuge, The laws about murder.

Matthew Henry: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Fourth Book of Moses, Called Numbers The titles of the five books of Moses, which we use in our Bib...

Matthew Henry: Numbers 35 (Pendahuluan Pasal) Orders having been given before for the dividing of the land of Canaan among the lay-tribes (as I may call them), care is here taken for a competen...

Constable: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) Introduction Title The title the Jews used in their Hebrew Old Testament for this book...

Constable: Numbers (Garis Besar) Outline I. Experiences of the older generation in the wilderness chs. 1-25 A. Preparations f...

Constable: Numbers Numbers Bibliography Aharoni, Yohanan. The Land of the Bible. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1979. ...

Haydock: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) INTRODUCTION. This fourth Book of Moses is called Numbers , because it begins with the numbering of the people. The Hebrews, from its first words...

Gill: Numbers (Pendahuluan Kitab) INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS This book has its name from the account it gives of the "numbers" of the children of Israel, twice taken particularly; whic...

Gill: Numbers 35 (Pendahuluan Pasal) INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 35 Though the tribe of Levi had no part in the division of the land, yet cities out of the several tribes are here ordered ...

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