Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.
This prevents someone seeking revenge from chasing after the person who accidentally killed someone. If their anger is burning hot and they catch up with the killer because the distance to safety is too far, they might kill him - even though he doesn't deserve to die, since he never had hatred toward the victim before.
This verse explains why cities of refuge needed to be close enough for someone who accidentally killed another person to reach safety before an angry relative could catch and kill them in revenge.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, family members had the duty to avenge the death of their relatives, which could lead to cycles of violence. God established cities of refuge where someone who accidentally killed another could flee for protection until their case could be properly judged. These cities needed to be strategically located so that innocent people could reach them before being killed by vengeful relatives acting in the heat of emotion.
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