“And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that deals with the distribution of cities among the Levites and the establishment of cities of refuge. The cities of refuge were designated as safe havens for individuals who unintentionally caused the death of another person, allowing them to seek protection from the avenger of blood, who would otherwise be responsible for pursuing them.
In this particular verse, God instructs the Israelites to provide six cities of refuge for the Levites. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, but they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, their portion was the service of the tabernacle and later the temple.
The purpose of these cities was to ensure justice and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. If someone accidentally caused the death of another person, they could flee to one of these cities for protection until a fair trial could take place. The cities of refuge provided an opportunity for the accused to present their case before the congregation and be judged accordingly.
It is worth noting that the six cities of refuge were not the only cities given to the Levites. In addition to the cities of refuge, the Levites were assigned a total of forty-eight cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. These cities were intended to serve as dwelling places for the Levites and their families.
The cities of refuge mentioned in Numbers 35:6 were significant because they demonstrated God’s concern for justice and mercy. They ensured that even in cases of accidental harm, the accused would have a fair opportunity to present their case and receive protection. It was a way for God to establish a just system that protected the rights of all individuals within the community.
By studying this verse and the larger context, we can learn about God’s character and his desire for justice and mercy. It also serves as a reminder to us that even in times of wrongdoing, God provides opportunities for repentance, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationships.
I hope this biblical study provides you with a better understanding of Numbers 35:6 in its context and its significance within the larger narrative of the Bible.
