That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
So that anyone who accidentally killed their neighbor could run there for safety—someone who killed without meaning to and had no previous hatred toward the person. By fleeing to one of these cities, they could save their life.
This verse explains that the cities of refuge were designed to protect people who accidentally killed someone from being killed in revenge.
📚 Historical Context
Moses was establishing cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River for the Israelite tribes settling there. In ancient times, family members were expected to avenge the death of relatives, but God provided these sanctuary cities to distinguish between intentional murder and accidental killing. This was part of God's justice system that balanced punishment with mercy.
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