But if hee thrust him suddenly without enmitie, or haue cast vpon him any thing without laying of wait, Numbers 35:22 (KJV)
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses concerning the cities of refuge, places of sanctuary where a person who has unintentionally caused another’s death could seek protection from vengeance. The cities were established so that accidental killers would not be pursued by a blood‑revenger, but could instead stand before the congregation for a proper hearing.
In this specific passage God addresses the scenario in which someone unintentionally causes the death of another person without any premeditated malice or hatred. If a person accidentally kills someone without harboring ill will or premeditation, the circumstances are examined to determine the appropriate response. The verse assumes an unintentional act, emphasizing the absence of enmity or malice and suggesting an accident or an act committed without prior intention.
The verse sets the foundation for the following verses, which lay out the rules and regulations governing the cities of refuge and the role of the congregation in determining innocence or guilt. Numbers 35:23‑24 continues
Numbers 35:23‑24 continues: “Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm: Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments.” These verses clarify that if someone unknowingly uses an object that causes another’s death, and it can be proven that there was no enmity or intent to harm, the congregation is responsible for conducting a fair trial and rendering judgment.
The overall purpose is to ensure that justice is served without allowing personal vengeance or unfounded accusations to prevail. Numbers 35:22 highlights God’s concern for justice and the importance of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional acts in matters of life and death, emphasizing the need for a fair trial by the community of believers.
