Numbers 35:16-21 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

If he smite him ... Various cases are here enumerated in which the Goel or avenger was at liberty to take the life of the murderer; and every one of them proves a premeditated purpose. In every case where a refugee was convicted of having perpetrated deliberate murder, he was doomed to suffer death, without redemption or commutation. No sanctuary could protect him; because even though he took hold of the horns of the altar, he might be torn from that sacred place, and be surrendered to justice (Exodus 21:14; 1 Kings 2:28-34).

Related Commentaries of Numbers 35:16

Numbers 35:16-21

16 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

17 And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

18 Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

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.