Joshua 20:5

Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.

Study Bible

If the avenger of blood pursues him
In ancient Israel, the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam) was typically a close relative of a person who had been killed. This individual had the cultural and legal responsibility to ensure justice was served, often by pursuing the killer. The concept of the avenger of blood is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern practice of blood vengeance, which was a common means of maintaining family honor and societal order. The cities of refuge, as described in Joshua 20, were established to provide a safe haven for those who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing for due process and preventing the cycle of vengeance from spiraling out of control. This reflects God's justice tempered with mercy, ensuring that the innocent are protected while still upholding the sanctity of life.

they must not surrender the manslayer
The term "manslayer" (Hebrew: רֹצֵחַ, rotzeach) refers to someone who has killed another person without premeditation or intent. The cities of refuge were a divine provision to protect such individuals from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This command not to surrender the manslayer underscores the importance of justice and due process in God's law. It highlights the principle that guilt must be established by evidence and testimony, not by the emotions or desires of those seeking vengeance. This reflects a God who values justice and fairness, ensuring that His people live by principles that promote peace and righteousness.

into his hand
The phrase "into his hand" signifies the power and control that the avenger of blood would have over the manslayer if he were surrendered. In ancient times, being delivered "into the hand" of someone often meant being subject to their authority or judgment. This phrase emphasizes the potential danger and vulnerability of the manslayer if not protected by the city of refuge. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of taking a life, even unintentionally, and the need for divine intervention to ensure justice is served according to God's standards, not human impulses.

because he struck his neighbor accidentally
The word "accidentally" (Hebrew: בִּשְׁגָגָה, bishgagah) indicates a lack of intent or premeditation in the act of killing. This distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing is crucial in biblical law, as it determines the appropriate response and consequences. The provision for accidental killers to seek refuge reflects God's understanding of human fallibility and His desire to provide grace and protection for those who err without malicious intent. It underscores the importance of discerning the heart and motives behind actions, aligning with the biblical principle that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances.

without prior malice
The phrase "without prior malice" (Hebrew: בְּלֹא שִׂנְאָה, belo sin'ah) further clarifies the nature of the act as lacking premeditated hostility or hatred. This distinction is vital in understanding the biblical concept of justice, which differentiates between crimes of passion or accident and those committed with deliberate intent. The absence of malice indicates that the act was not driven by a desire to harm, which is a key factor in determining the appropriate legal and moral response. This reflects God's just character, who judges not only actions but the intentions behind them, offering mercy to those who act without malicious intent.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manslayer
An individual who has unintentionally killed another person. In the context of ancient Israel, this person could seek refuge in a city of refuge to avoid retribution from the avenger of blood.

2. Avenger of Blood
A family member of the deceased who seeks to avenge the death. This role was part of the ancient justice system, where family members were responsible for avenging wrongs done to their kin.

3. Cities of Refuge
Designated cities in ancient Israel where individuals who committed manslaughter could seek asylum. These cities provided protection until a fair trial could be conducted.

4. Joshua
The leader of Israel at the time, responsible for implementing God's laws and ensuring the establishment of cities of refuge as commanded by God.

5. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were given the law regarding cities of refuge as part of their covenant with God.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy. While justice demands accountability, mercy provides protection and a fair trial for those who have acted without malice.

The Sanctity of Life
The provision for cities of refuge underscores the value God places on human life, ensuring that even accidental death is treated with seriousness and care.

Christ as Our Refuge
Just as the cities of refuge provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge for sinners. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him.

Community Responsibility
The system of cities of refuge required community involvement and responsibility, reminding us of our duty to uphold justice and mercy within our communities today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of cities of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the principle of seeking refuge in Christ be applied to our daily lives?

3. How does the role of the avenger of blood compare to modern concepts of justice and retribution?

4. What responsibilities do we have as a community to ensure justice and protection for those who may be falsely accused or have acted without malice?

5. How can understanding the historical context of cities of refuge enhance our appreciation of the spiritual refuge offered in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the establishment of cities of refuge, detailing the purpose and function of these cities.

Deuteronomy 19
Offers further elaboration on the laws concerning cities of refuge, emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy.

Hebrews 6
Discusses the concept of refuge in a spiritual sense, drawing a parallel between the cities of refuge and the refuge found in Christ.