Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot. This verse is a continuation of the third (for Deuteronomy 19:4-5, which are explanatory, are in a parenthetical form), and the meaning is, that if the kinsman of a person inadvertently killed, should, under the impulse of sudden excitement, and without inquiring into the circumstances, inflict summary vengeance on the homicide, however guiltless, the law tolerated such an act: it was to pass with impunity. But to prevent such precipitate measures, the cities of refuge were established for the reception of the homicide, that "innocent blood might not be shed in thy land" (Deuteronomy 19:10).
Whereas he was not worthy of death, х Mishpat (H4941) maawet (H4194)] - he had not incurred a sentence of death; was not guilty of a capital crime. In the case of premeditated murder (Deuteronomy 19:11-12) these cities afforded no immunity; but if it was only manslaughter, the moment the fugitive was within the gates, he found himself in a safe asylum (Numbers 35:26-28; Joshua 20:6).