But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
But if someone pushes another person out of hatred, or throws something at them while lying in wait to ambush them, and that person dies;
This verse describes intentional murder - when someone kills another person on purpose, either by attacking them with hatred or by planning an ambush.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, God was providing laws to the Israelites as they prepared to settle in the Promised Land, including instructions on handling cases of homicide to ensure justice and prevent clan-based revenge. This chapter specifically establishes cities of refuge as safe places for those who accidentally killed someone, while distinguishing intentional acts of violence that warranted punishment. Numbers 35:20 highlights premeditated murder, such as attacking out of hatred or by ambush, as offenses that disqualified a person from sanctuary and led to severe consequences.
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