And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
And if the family member seeking revenge comes after him, the city leaders must not hand over the person who caused the death. This is because he killed his neighbor by accident, without any previous hatred toward him.
God is protecting people who accidentally kill someone from being handed over to vengeful family members, as long as it was truly unintentional and without malice.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of God's instructions to establish cities of refuge in ancient Israel. According to the law of that time, when someone was killed, their nearest male relative (the 'avenger of blood') had the right and duty to seek justice by killing the perpetrator. However, God provided these special cities where people who killed accidentally could flee for protection until they received a fair trial.
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