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
In the context of ancient Israel, God was giving laws to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai as part of the Covenant Code, which outlined rules for justice and societal order. This verse specifically addresses cases of unintentional killing, distinguishing them from premeditated murder, and introduces the concept of cities of refuge to protect the accused from blood vengeance by family members. It reflects the cultural reality of tribal societies where personal retribution was common, ensuring that God's justice prevailed over human impulses.
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