Numbers 35 6

Numbers 35:6 kjv

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

Numbers 35:6 nkjv

"Now among the cities which you will give to the Levites you shall appoint six cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. And to these you shall add forty-two cities.

Numbers 35:6 niv

"Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns.

Numbers 35:6 esv

"The cities that you give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, where you shall permit the manslayer to flee, and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.

Numbers 35:6 nlt

"Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, where a person who has accidentally killed someone can flee for safety. In addition, give them forty-two other towns.

Numbers 35 verses

Numbers 35 6 Meaning

This verse details a divine command concerning the cities to be given to the Levites. From these Levitical cities, six specific locations are to be set aside as "cities of refuge." Their purpose is to provide immediate asylum and protection for individuals who have unintentionally caused another's death, shielding them from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could determine their culpability. Beyond these six specialized cities, an additional forty-two cities are to be allotted to the Levites, bringing their total allocated settlements to forty-eight.

Numbers 35 6 Context

This verse is part of God's instructions to Moses, outlining the division and settlement of the land of Canaan as the Israelites prepared to enter it. Chapter 35 specifically addresses the provision for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a territorial inheritance, as the Lord Himself was their inheritance (Num 18:20). Instead, they were to be given cities scattered throughout Israel. Central to this provision are the cities of refuge. The historical context is on the verge of the Israelite conquest, ensuring that proper legal and social structures, rooted in divine justice, were in place for the new society. These laws provided a clear distinction between intentional murder, which warranted execution, and unintentional manslaughter, which merited protection within a designated city until a fair hearing. This system ensured regulated justice and prevented unrestrained blood feuds from destabilizing the newly established nation.

Numbers 35 6 Word analysis

• And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites...:
  • And: Connects this specific instruction to the broader topic of giving cities to the Levites, initiated earlier in Numbers 35.
  • Cities: These were specific towns and their surrounding pasture lands, provided by the other tribes to the Levites, ensuring their livelihood and distributed presence throughout the nation.
  • Ye shall give: Emphasizes Israel's communal responsibility in upholding this divine command; it was a mandatory allocation from their tribal inheritances.
  • unto the Levites (Hebrew: `lalevim`, לַלְוִיִּם): The tribe of Levi, set apart for priestly and temple service. They served as teachers of the law, judges, and guardians of sacred traditions. Their distribution in cities across the land enabled them to fulfill these roles among all tribes.
• ...there shall be six cities for refuge...:
  • Six: A specific, divinely ordained number. Later passages (Deut 4:41-43, Josh 20:7-8) specify three cities on each side of the Jordan River, strategically located to ensure accessibility from all regions of the land. This detail reflects God's meticulous care for ensuring justice was accessible.
  • Cities for refuge (Hebrew: `arei ha-miklat`, עָרֵי הַמִּקְלָט): Literally "cities of asylum/shelter." This was a unique legal and social institution in ancient Israel. These were not safe havens for criminals to escape justice but a structured system to protect innocent manslaughterers from immediate retribution by the "avenger of blood" (`go'el ha-dam`), allowing for due process and a fair trial. This was a distinctive aspect of Israelite law compared to the potentially unrestrained vengeance prevalent in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. God's law provided a legal framework for restorative justice, balancing communal safety with individual rights and differentiating intent.
• ...which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither...:
  • Ye shall appoint (Hebrew: `taknu`, תַּקְנוּ): "You shall prepare," "set aside," or "designate." This highlights the deliberate and active role the Israelites were to play in establishing and maintaining this system.
  • For the manslayer (Hebrew: `ha-rotzeach`, הָרֹצֵחַ): The person who has killed. Crucially, the detailed law in Numbers 35:9-34 clarifies that this refers only to the unintentional killer (manslayer), distinct from a deliberate murderer. The intent of the action determined the application of the law, reflecting God's deep concern for righteous judgment.
  • That he may flee thither (Hebrew: `lanus shammah`, לָנוּס שָׁמָּה): "To flee there," emphasizing the purpose of these cities – a sanctuary where one could escape immediate harm. The swift flight to the city of refuge was essential, and roads leading to these cities were commanded to be kept clear to facilitate rapid access (Deut 19:3).
• ...and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.:
  • And to them ye shall add: Signifies these additional cities are in addition to the six cities of refuge, making up the full allocation for the Levites.
  • Forty and two cities: This specific number, added to the six cities of refuge, totals forty-eight cities (Josh 21:41). This substantial number reflects the important and widespread role of the Levites in the spiritual and social life of Israel, being distributed throughout the land to provide instruction, judgment, and priestly service. Their presence facilitated adherence to the Law of God across all tribal territories.

Numbers 35 6 Bonus section

• The Symbolic Significance of the High Priest's Death: A profound aspect of the city of refuge law was that the unintentional manslayer could not leave the city until the death of the reigning High Priest (Num 35:25, 28). This event symbolized an "atonement" or "release" for the manslayer, allowing them to return home without fear of retribution. This specific provision strongly foreshadows the atoning death of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest (Heb 4:14, 9:11-12), who provides ultimate and eternal liberation from the penalty and power of sin, offering true and lasting spiritual refuge to all who come to Him.
• Accessibility and Divine Provision: The detailed instructions concerning the clarity of the roads leading to the cities of refuge (Deut 19:3) underscore God's desire for the law's accessibility and swift application of justice and mercy. This concept finds a spiritual parallel in the clear and accessible path provided by Christ for all who seek refuge and salvation in Him (John 14:6, Rom 10:9-13).
• Justice for the Intentional: It is crucial to remember that the cities of refuge offered no protection for premeditated murderers. They were to be justly executed (Num 35:30-31), based on the testimony of multiple witnesses. This underscores God's absolute demand for justice and the sanctity of human life, which is made in His image. The distinction between unintentional killing and intentional murder is paramount throughout the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of intent in legal and divine judgment.

Numbers 35 6 Commentary

Numbers 35:6 succinctly establishes the dual allocation of cities for the tribe of Levi: six strategically designated as cities of refuge and forty-two additional settlements for their general habitation. This divine provision was crucial, as the Levites had no tribal land inheritance, with the Lord Himself serving as their portion. The cities of refuge were a hallmark of God's just legal system, offering vital asylum to individuals who caused accidental death, distinguishing them from premeditated murderers. This system, divinely ordered, countered the potential for unbridled blood vengeance prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, instituting due process before an assembly and protecting the accused until the High Priest's death. This High Priest's death acted as a symbolic release, enabling the manslayer to return home. The distribution of forty-two regular Levitical cities further ensured that the Levites, who functioned as teachers of the law, administrators of justice, and keepers of the tabernacle/temple service, were geographically positioned to provide spiritual guidance and uphold divine law throughout the entire nation. This comprehensive arrangement demonstrates God's character as orderly, just, and merciful, providing a foundation for a righteous society and serving as a poignant shadow pointing towards Christ, our ultimate spiritual refuge.