And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
But if someone kills another person accidentally—not on purpose, but because God allowed it to happen—then I will provide a place where the killer can go to be safe.
God is establishing that people who kill someone accidentally (not intentionally) will have a safe place to flee to for protection.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of God's civil laws given to Moses for the Israelite community. In ancient times, when someone was killed, the victim's family had the right to seek revenge through a 'blood avenger.' These cities of refuge would later become six designated cities where someone who committed accidental manslaughter could find safety until their case could be properly judged.
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