Numbers 35 26

Numbers 35:26 kjv

But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;

Numbers 35:26 nkjv

But if the manslayer at any time goes outside the limits of the city of refuge where he fled,

Numbers 35:26 niv

"?'But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which they fled

Numbers 35:26 esv

But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the boundaries of his city of refuge to which he fled,

Numbers 35:26 nlt

"But if the slayer ever leaves the limits of the city of refuge,

Numbers 35 verses

Numbers 35 26 Meaning

Numbers 35:26 details a critical condition for the safety of an unintentional killer within the divinely appointed system of cities of refuge. The verse states that if the manslayer, who had found asylum in one of these designated cities, at any point steps outside its established boundary, the protection afforded by God's law is immediately forfeited. This signifies that adherence to God's provisions and staying within the designated limits are prerequisites for receiving and maintaining His shelter and deliverance from potential retribution.

Numbers 35 26 Context

Numbers 35 provides a detailed legal framework for the Israelites regarding cities of refuge. The preceding verses (Num 35:9-25) establish the purpose and mechanics of these cities: they were to be places of asylum for those who accidentally killed someone, providing a haven from the immediate blood revenge of the "avenger of blood" (go'el haddam). A trial was to determine intent; if found unintentional, the manslayer would reside within the city until the death of the reigning high priest. This verse (Num 35:26) acts as a crucial boundary clause, defining the spatial limit of this legal protection. The context highlights God's justice, the sanctity of human life, and the provision for due process, mitigating the unchecked brutality of blood feuds common in the ancient Near East while still holding unintentional killers accountable. The high priest's death acts as a form of atonement for the unintentional shedding of blood, allowing the manslayer to return home after that significant event (Num 35:28).

Numbers 35 26 Word analysis

• But if: Connects this verse to the preceding condition of living in the city of refuge, introducing a counter-condition or a stipulation.
• the manslayer: (Hebrew: rotzeach, רֹצֵחַ). This term, while meaning "killer" or "murderer" in a general sense, is used specifically in this chapter to refer to someone who has committed an unintentional homicide, distinguishing them from a deliberate murderer. The entire framework of cities of refuge depends on this critical distinction (Num 35:6, 11-12, 22-24).
• at any time goes outside: Emphasizes that this condition is always active. There is no permissible temporary exit or exception. The moment he steps out, the protection ceases. This stresses the continuous nature of obedience required.
• the boundary: (Hebrew: gevul, גְּבוּל). Signifies a clearly defined border or limit. It implies a physical, observable line that separates safety from danger, protection from vulnerability. This "boundary" is God's prescribed limit, not an arbitrary one. Crossing it means violating the terms of the divine provision.
• of the city of his refuge: (Hebrew: Ir Miqlaṭ, עִיר מִקְלָט). This term "city of refuge" is specifically used for these designated cities (Num 35:6, 11-13). These were places specifically appointed by God for temporary asylum. Their function was divine provision and intervention in the cycle of vengeance.
• where he had fled: Confirms that the individual in question is indeed the unintentional killer who legitimately sought asylum and was residing there under the terms of the law. This emphasizes that the protection was earned through compliance with the system of refuge, and therefore, any departure from the system means a loss of this protection.

Numbers 35 26 Bonus section

The strict boundary in Numbers 35:26 underscores the significance of order and structure in God's law. The existence of these precise limits prevented ambiguity and left no room for arbitrary interpretation by the avenger of blood. This also highlighted God's sovereignty over the land and life; He alone set the terms for vengeance and mercy. The condition of the manslayer's release being tied to the death of the High Priest (Num 35:25, 28) provided a symbolic "payment" or "atonement" for the unintentional blood guilt. This unique stipulation suggests a deep theological connection to sacrificial atonement and foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross serves as the singular and complete atonement for all humanity's sins, providing eternal refuge and freedom for those who "flee to Him for refuge." His sacrifice removes the requirement of spatial or temporal boundaries for our spiritual safety. The verse implicitly challenges a mindset that presumes divine protection extends beyond the explicit boundaries and conditions God has set forth.

Numbers 35 26 Commentary

Numbers 35:26 reinforces the conditional nature of divine protection and the strict adherence required to God's established laws. The cities of refuge represented a profound act of mercy and justice, allowing the unintentional killer a safe haven from vigilante justice. However, this protection was not absolute; it came with a non-negotiable geographical limitation. Stepping outside the gevul, the boundary of the refuge city, demonstrated a disregard for the divine provision and immediately nullified the protection. The text implies a divine covenant: "Stay within My boundaries, and you are safe." This served not only to maintain order and justice within Israel but also as a profound illustration that God's blessings and security are often tied to obedience to His revealed will and staying within the protective parameters He establishes. This Old Testament principle of conditional protection based on adherence to a divine provision echoes the spiritual reality that believers find their ultimate safety and refuge in Christ, and remaining "in Him" is essential for continuing in His protection and blessings.

• Example 1: Just as a boat in a safe harbor is protected from a storm, but risks destruction once it leaves the harbor, the manslayer was safe only within the city limits.
• Example 2: Like medicine that only works if taken as prescribed, God's refuge provided safety only if its conditions (remaining within the city) were followed.