Thematic Bible: Of refuge
Thematic Bible
Cities » Of refuge
These were the cities of refuge appointed for all the Israelites and for resident foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed someone could escape there and not be executed by the avenger of blood, at least until his case was reviewed by the assembly.
But if he does not do it with premeditation, but it happens by accident, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.
Now from these towns that you will give to the Levites you must select six towns of refuge to which a person who has killed someone may flee. And you must give them forty-two other towns.
Anyone who accidentally killed someone without hating him at the time of the accident could flee to one of those cities and be safe.
You shall build a roadway and divide into thirds the whole extent of your land that the Lord your God is providing as your inheritance; anyone who kills another person should flee to the closest of these cities.
"Have the Israelites select the cities of refuge that I told you about through Moses.
They were allotted as cities of refuge Shechem and its pasturelands (in the hill country of Ephraim), Gezer and its pasturelands,