Numbers 35 13

Numbers 35:13 kjv

And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.

Numbers 35:13 nkjv

And of the cities which you give, you shall have six cities of refuge.

Numbers 35:13 niv

These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge.

Numbers 35:13 esv

And the cities that you give shall be your six cities of refuge.

Numbers 35:13 nlt

Designate six cities of refuge for yourselves,

Numbers 35 verses

Numbers 35 13 Meaning

Numbers 35:13 instructs the Israelites that from the cities designated for the Levites, six specific cities must serve a crucial function: they are to be cities of refuge. This provision establishes safe havens where individuals who unintentionally caused another's death could flee to seek protection from the avenger of blood and receive a fair trial, thus preventing vigilante justice.

Numbers 35 13 Context

Numbers chapter 35 details instructions given by the Lord to Moses concerning the distribution of the land among the tribes and specific provisions for the Levites. Following the overall allotment, it mandates that 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, are to be given to the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance. From these 48 cities, Numbers 35:13 then specifies that a critical subset of six must serve a unique purpose: as "cities of refuge." This verse, therefore, places a practical, judicial responsibility within the Levitical allocation.

Historically, this command was given as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood revenge (lex talionis) was widespread, allowing the victim's family to seek vengeance directly. God's provision of cities of refuge provided a divine system of justice, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental death (manslaughter). This legal framework brought order to potentially chaotic blood feuds, offering a just process for asylum, trial, and protection until due judgment could be rendered, reflecting God's holy and merciful character in governing life and justice.

Numbers 35 13 Word analysis

• And among: Hebrew: וּמִן (ūmin). Connects this provision to the preceding command to give cities to the Levites, indicating these "refuge cities" are part of the larger group of Levitical cities.
• the cities: Hebrew: הֶעָרִים (he‘arim). Refers to the collective cities mentioned previously (Num 35:6) that are designated for the Levites.
• which ye shall give: Signifies that this action of giving cities is an obligation and command laid upon the tribes of Israel as they settle the land.
• six cities: Hebrew: שֵׁשׁ עָרִים (shesh ‘arim). The specific number "six" is significant. It implies a balanced and accessible distribution (three on each side of the Jordan) for all regions of Israel, ensuring proximity to a refuge city no matter where an incident occurred.
• for refuge: Hebrew: לְמִקְלָט (lᵉmiqlaṭ). This key term means "asylum," "place of receiving," or "refuge." It defines the specific, protective function of these cities, denoting them as sanctuaries from immediate retribution. The term itself conveys a sense of drawing in and sheltering.
• shall ye have: Hebrew: תִּהְיֶינָה (tihyeyna). A future imperative, expressing a divine command that these cities "shall be" or "you shall have" in this particular capacity, establishing a permanent legal institution.

Words-group analysis:

• "And among the cities which ye shall give, six cities for refuge": This phrase clearly distinguishes these six cities as a subset of the Levitical cities, highlighting their unique dual function. They were not merely places for Levites to reside but divinely ordained sanctuaries for due process regarding manslaughter, reinforcing God's system of justice throughout His covenant people.

Numbers 35 13 Bonus section

• Accessibility: The command to have "six cities" was implemented by establishing three cities on the west side of the Jordan and three on the east (Num 35:14; Deut 19:2-3; Josh 20:7-8). This strategic placement ensured that every Israelite, regardless of their location, would have reasonably quick access to a city of refuge, underscoring the universal accessibility of God's provision for justice and mercy. Roads leading to these cities were even to be kept clear and marked.
• Symbolic Connection to Christ: Many theological interpretations see the cities of refuge as a type or shadow pointing to Jesus Christ. Just as the slayer fled to the city for safety from the avenger, believers find ultimate and eternal refuge in Christ from the wrath and judgment due to sin. The required stay in the city until the death of the High Priest (Num 35:28) foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, whose sacrificial death frees us from the condemnation of the law and brings true spiritual deliverance.

Numbers 35 13 Commentary

Numbers 35:13 forms a pivotal part of God's legal code for Israel, ensuring a framework for justice beyond mere retribution. By designating six of the Levitical cities as places of refuge, the Lord established a system that balanced the sanctity of human life with the prevention of unbridled vengeance. This divine provision demonstrated God’s mercy for the unintentional wrongdoer while still upholding His demand for justice for all shedding of blood. The cities' existence within the Levitical inheritance underscored that even the administration of justice and mercy were part of the sacred governance over Israel, preventing chaos and promoting equity throughout the land. It taught the nation the difference between murder and manslaughter, necessitating a fair trial system where a community, rather than a single avenger, rendered judgment, a concept foundational to justice systems.