But if, &c.— Here the case of malice prepense is provided for. Houbigant renders it, in like manner, if any one strike a man through hatred. See Deuteronomy 19:11. Le Clerc thinks, that the words when he meeteth him, (Numbers 35:19; Numbers 35:21.) shew, that Moses here speaks of one who took guilt to himself by flying, and refused to stand his trial; the avenger of blood might be allowed to kill such a one, either in consequence of the sentence of the judges, who, upon hearing the witnesses, might try and condemn the party, though absent, or upon account of his secreting himself from justice, whereby he appeared to be self-condemned.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 35:20
Numbers 35:20-21
20 But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.