“Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. The book of Deuteronomy contains a series of speeches Moses delivered to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God’s laws, commands, and covenant with the Israelites.
The principle of cities of refuge:Deuteronomy 19:6 addresses the concept of “cities of refuge.” In ancient Israelite society, cities of refuge were designated as places of safety for those who had accidentally caused the death of another person. If someone unintentionally killed another person, they could flee to one of these cities to seek protection from the avenger of blood, who was usually a relative seeking vengeance.
Protection from revenge:The verse warns that if the slayer does not reach a city of refuge in time and the avenger of blood catches up with him, the avenger might kill him. The reasoning behind this is that the slayer was not deserving of death since the killing was unintentional and without premeditation.
The concept of intent:It’s important to note that this verse distinguishes between accidental killings and intentional murders. If someone committed premeditated murder, they would not find protection in a city of refuge.
Redemption and mercy:The purpose of the cities of refuge was to provide a way for individuals who had caused accidental deaths to find protection and a fair trial. This system demonstrated God’s concern for justice and His desire to prevent vengeance from spiraling out of control. It also illustrates the principle of mercy, giving the slayer an opportunity to find safety and avoid unnecessary harm.
Spiritual application:While the concept of cities of refuge is specific to the ancient Israelite legal system, we can draw spiritual insights from this passage. We see God’s heart for justice, mercy, and redemption. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as our refuge, providing salvation and protection from sin and its consequences. Just as the cities of refuge offered safety to those who sought it, Jesus offers refuge and forgiveness to all who come to Him.
