As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
For example, if a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and while swinging his axe to chop down a tree, the axe head flies off the handle and hits his neighbor, killing him, then the man can flee to one of these cities and be safe.
This verse gives an example of accidental killing - when someone dies by complete accident (like from a loose axe head), the person responsible can find safety in special cities of refuge.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses delivered laws to guide their society and prevent cycles of vengeance. This verse specifically addresses accidental manslaughter, such as during everyday activities like chopping wood, and points to the establishment of cities of refuge where the unintentional killer could seek safety. These cities were part of a broader legal system designed to ensure fair judgment rather than immediate retaliation, reflecting the cultural norms of blood feuds in the ancient Near East.
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