Num. 35 Eight and forty cities given to the Levites, together with their suburbs; among which six cities of refuge, for an Israelite or stranger who had killed another unawares, Num. 35:1–15. Wilful murder decided, and the murderer to be put to death, Num. 35:16–21.

For their cattle; for pasturage for their cattle; where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards, or vineyards, no, nor sow corn, for which they were abundantly provided out of the first-fruits and tithes.

Object. In the next verse it is two thousand. How do these agree? Answ. 1. LXX. interpreters read both here and Num. 35:5 two thousand cubits, whence some suppose this to be an error in the Hebrew text, which, being in a matter neither concerning faith nor good manners, is not prejudicial to the…

For refuge, or, of receipt, or escape, or resort, to wit, for man-slayers; and these cities are assigned among the Levites, partly, because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between man-slayers and wilful murderers; partly, because their presence, and counsel, and…

Ye shall give many: compare Num. 33:54, Josh. 20:2.

i.e. Not wilfully, designedly, or maliciously, but inconsiderately, through mistake, or indiscretion, or carelessness. See Lev. 4:2.

The avenger, to wit, of the party slain, or, of blood, as it is fully expressed below, Num. 35:19, Num. 35:25; Heb. from the redeemer, or, from the next kinsman, to whom by the law belonged the right of redemption of the lands of, and vindication of the injury done to the person deceased.

On this side Jordan; because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad, and besides these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan.

For the stranger; not the proselyte only, but all strangers, this being no matter of religious privilege, but of common right, and agreeable to the law of nature and practice of wise heathens.

If he smite him, wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice or design, as appears by comparing this with Num. 35:20–23. So that he die, to wit, suddenly, not so if he walked abroad afterward, Ex. 21:19–20.

With throwing a stone, Heb. with the stone of the hand, i.e. cast by the hand, and that knowingly, as appears by Num. 35:23.

Either, 1. By himself, as the following words show: so it is only a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself. Or, 2. By the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command, as may appear by comparing this with Num. 35:31, Deut. 19:12–13.

Suddenly; through sudden passion or provocation. Or, by chance, or unawares.

If the man-slayer flee to the city of refuge.

He shall abide in it, be confined to it, partly to show the hatefulness of wilful murder in God’s account by so severe a punishment, as this in many cases might prove, inflicted upon the very appearance of it; and partly for the security of the man-slayer, lest the presence of such a person, and…

i.e. Not liable to punishment from men, though not free from guilt before God, because he kills an innocent person, as appears from Deut. 19:10. This God ordained to oblige the man-slayer to abide in his city of refuge. See Num. 35:32.

No judge shall condemn any man to death upon a single testimony.

No intercession nor ransom shall be accepted to save his life, or procure him a pardon.

Whereby God would signify the absolute and indispensable necessity of Christ’s death to expiate sin, and to redeem the sinner.

These words are added as a reason not of the last law, Num. 35:32, for in that case the land was cleansed without the blood of the man-slayer. but of the law next foregoing that, Num.

Be not cruel to your own land by making it a den of murderers.