Numbers 35
-The LORD speaks to Moses first off in this chapter
concerning the portion of lands that the Levites will be given in the cities
that they live in. They will have adequate pasture lands for their cattle,
herds, and all sorts of beasts that they may have. Their lands will extend from
the city walls outward for 1,000 cubits (approximately 1,500 feet) and 2,000
cubits (approximately 3,000 feet) in all directions from the city’s center
(Numbers 35:1-5).
-The cities of refuge given to the Levites is also detailed
by the LORD through Moses. The Levites will be given six cities of refuge for
the involuntary manslaughter escapees to run to in their hour of need along
with 42 other cities for the Levites that are to be broken up by the tribes.
The bigger tribes would have more and the small tribes would have fewer. The
cities of refuge would be a holding place for people to wait until the
congregation could hold a trial for them to decide on cases that were in doubt
and contested. These cities were not just for the nationals, but aliens and
sojourners through their lands also could run to these safe haven cities in
their distress. Three of these cities would be in the land of Canaan and three
to the east of Canaan across the Jordan (Numbers 35:6-15). Next, some statutes
for what constituted capital murder are explained (Numbers 35:16-21). Diverse
situations are covered for use of weaponry and intent. Capital punishment is
endorsed to clear the guilty from the land, and the blood avenger is excused
from murder in these cases. Unintentional mishaps where people die is a whole
other situation and needed explanation from the LORD. Protections are
instituted for these who have accidentally killed others. However, if strict
guidelines are not adhered to in the cities of refuge, the blood avenger had
every right and opportunity to execute justice according to the Israeli law. This
statutory ordinance was to be perpetual throughout their generations. Freedom
for those who had fled to cities of refuge would come only with the death of
the High Priest who was anointed with the holy oil. This let some time pass so
that emotions could calm down and tranquility be restored in most situations.
Here is the summed up point near the end of the chapter: “If anyone kills a
person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no
person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Moreover, you
shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he
shall surely be put to death. You shall not take ransom for him who has fled to
his city of refuge, that he may return to live in the land before the death of
the priest. So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood
pollutes the land and no expiation (amends, compensation, penance, apology) can
be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of
him who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst
of which I dwell; for I the LORD am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel
(Numbers 35:22-34)."
-*Application* God does not like death. He is opposed to it
in every way. The only reason we have death is because of our sin against Him.
Where He dwells, no death is allowed. If Christ dwells in you, this affects
everything around you. Do you speak and live life, or are you tearing down and
creating a climate of death by your daily conduct? Jesus came to give life, and
give it abundantly (John 10:10). Only Satan has anything to do with stealing,
killing and destroying. Let’s live today with the presence of God in total
control of our lives and spread that hope to others in our midst. Don’t pollute
your land.
Verse to Memorize:
Numbers 35:34
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