Joshua 20:4

"that the man slayer who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there. They shall be to you for a refuge from the avenger of blood."

Key Reflection

In ancient Israel, the law provided safety for those who accidentally killed someone by designating cities of refuge where they could flee to avoid retribution from the avenger of blood. Joshua 20:4 explains that these cities offered protection to "the man slayer," ensuring he would not be pursued and killed before a proper legal process could determine if his act was truly accidental, thus safeguarding justice and preventing vigilantism.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

As soon as the manslayer presented himself at the city of refuge, the elders of the city were to hold an inquiry, and receive him provisionally into the city. Afterward, when the avenger of blood should have tracked his victim to the city, and appear to claim him, a more formal and thorough investigationJoshua 20:6was to be made. Consult the marginal references.

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