“And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbor unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.”
Context: The book of Joshua is part of the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Joshua is following God’s instructions to designate six cities of refuge where those who unintentionally caused the death of another person could find protection.
Avenger of Blood: The “avenger of blood” refers to a family member responsible for seeking justice for the death of a relative. In ancient Israel, it was the duty of the avenger of blood to avenge the death of a family member by taking the life of the perpetrator.
Accidental Killing: Joshua 20:5 deals with the provision for unintentional manslaughter. If someone unintentionally killed another person and the avenger of blood pursued the killer, the people of the city of refuge were not to hand the killer over to the avenger. The verse clarifies that the person had struck their neighbor unwittingly and without premeditation.
Absence of Hatred: The verse also highlights an important aspect. It states that the person who committed the unintentional killing did not hate their neighbor before the incident occurred. This implies that the act was accidental and not motivated by malice or intent.
Principles of Justice and Mercy: The establishment of the cities of refuge reflected God’s concern for justice and mercy. The provision ensured that those who committed accidental manslaughter could find safety and avoid being unjustly punished by the avenger of blood. It also demonstrated the importance of differentiating between intentional and unintentional acts and emphasized the value of human life.
Symbolic Significance: The cities of refuge in the Old Testament can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ as our refuge and sanctuary. Just as the cities of refuge provided a place of safety for the unintentional killer, Jesus offers refuge and salvation for all who seek Him.
Lessons for Today: While the specific laws regarding cities of refuge may not directly apply to our lives today, there are valuable lessons we can glean from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of treating others with love and respect, refraining from hatred or malice. Additionally, it encourages us to pursue justice tempered with mercy, understanding that accidents can happen and that forgiveness and reconciliation are vital aspects of our relationships with one another.
Overall, Joshua 20:5 reveals God’s concern for justice and mercy, offering protection and refuge for those who unintentionally caused harm. It reminds us of the importance of love, forgiveness, and understanding in our interactions with others.
