Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
Because the person who killed someone accidentally should have stayed in the city of refuge until the high priest died. But after the high priest dies, the one who caused the death can return to their own property.
This verse explains that someone who accidentally killed another person had to stay in a designated safe city until the high priest died, then they could go home freely.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite society, as outlined in the Book of Numbers, cities of refuge were designated places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee to avoid immediate revenge from the victim's family. This system was part of the Mosaic Law, ensuring that justice was administered fairly rather than through personal vendettas, and it reflected God's concern for protecting the innocent while upholding community order. Once the high priest died, the individual could return home, symbolizing a release that balanced mercy with accountability.
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