But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refugeThe concept of cities of refuge is introduced in
Numbers 35 as a provision for those who have committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities served as a sanctuary where the accused could seek asylum from the avenger of blood, a family member seeking retribution. The cities of refuge were strategically located throughout Israel to be accessible to all. The requirement for the manslayer to remain within the city limits underscores the importance of obedience to God's law and the protection it offers. This provision reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime and that the innocent are protected.
to which he fled
The act of fleeing to a city of refuge symbolizes seeking God's mercy and protection. In a broader theological context, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our refuge and sanctuary. Just as the manslayer had to remain in the city to be safe, believers must abide in Christ to receive His protection and salvation. The cities of refuge were a temporary solution until the death of the high priest, which then allowed the manslayer to return home without fear. This parallels the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, our High Priest, whose death provides eternal refuge and reconciliation with God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ManslayerAn individual who has unintentionally killed another person and seeks refuge to avoid retribution.
2.
City of RefugeDesignated places where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and be protected from the avenger of blood.
3.
Avenger of BloodA family member of the deceased who seeks justice or retribution for the killing.
4.
Limits of the CityThe boundaries set around the city of refuge, which the manslayer must not cross to remain protected.
5.
Israelite CommunityThe broader context in which these laws were given, emphasizing justice and mercy within the community.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing protection for those who have sinned unintentionally.
The Importance of BoundariesJust as the manslayer must remain within the city limits to be safe, Christians are called to live within the boundaries of God's commandments for spiritual safety.
Christ as Our RefugeThe cities of refuge foreshadow Christ, who offers ultimate refuge and forgiveness for our sins. Believers are encouraged to remain in Him for protection and salvation.
Community ResponsibilityThe establishment of cities of refuge highlights the community's role in upholding justice and providing mercy, a principle that applies to the church today.
Consequences of Leaving RefugeThe manslayer's safety depended on staying within the city. Similarly, stepping outside of God's will can lead to spiritual danger.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 35:26?
2.How does Numbers 35:26 emphasize the importance of obeying God's established boundaries?
3.What consequences arise from leaving the "city of refuge" in Numbers 35:26?
4.How does Numbers 35:26 connect with God's justice and mercy throughout Scripture?
5.How can we apply the principle of refuge in Numbers 35:26 today?
6.What lessons about accountability can Christians learn from Numbers 35:26?
7.Why must the manslayer remain in the city of refuge until the high priest's death?
8.How does Numbers 35:26 reflect on God's justice and mercy?
9.What historical evidence supports the existence of cities of refuge?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35?
11.Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?
12.Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice?
13.How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1-6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice?
14.Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place?What Does Numbers 35:26 Mean
But ifThe verse begins with a hinge: “But if…” This conditional phrase signals that God is laying down an exception to the mercy just described inNumbers 35:25, where the manslayer “must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest”. Scripture often uses this “but if” pattern to highlight the seriousness of a deliberate choice (seeDeuteronomy 8:19;Hebrews 10:26). Here the Lord warns that grace has boundaries—boundaries put in place to uphold both justice and mercy.
the manslayerThe term refers to someone who has killed another unintentionally (Numbers 35:11;Deuteronomy 19:4–5). God distinguishes between murder and manslaughter:
• Murder—intentional, premeditated (Exodus 21:12, 14)
• Manslaughter—accidental, without hatred or prior intent (Joshua 20:3)
That distinction preserves the sanctity of life while protecting the innocent from vengeance carried out in anger (Genesis 9:6;Proverbs 28:17).
ever goes outside“Ever goes outside” underscores personal responsibility. The manslayer may live safely within the city, but stepping beyond its borders is a willful act. Similar warnings appear elsewhere:
• Shimei was safe in Jerusalem until he “crossed the Kidron Valley,” and then judgment fell (1 Kings 2:36–46).
• Noah’s family was secure only so long as they remained in the ark (Genesis 7:23).
God’s protection is real, yet He never cancels human accountability (Galatians 6:7–8).
the limits of the city of refugeEach city’s borders were clearly marked (Numbers 35:2–5). Inside those limits, the avenger of blood had no right to harm the manslayer (Joshua 20:4). Stepping outside meant stepping away from God-ordained safety:
•Psalm 91:1 speaks of dwelling “in the shelter of the Most High.”
•Colossians 3:3 says believers’ lives are “hidden with Christ in God.”
Boundaries are not burdens; they are gifts of protection.
to which he fledThe word “fled” recalls the urgency of taking hold of mercy (Hebrews 6:18). The city of refuge was chosen by God, not by the manslayer. To abandon it was to spurn the very provision that saved his life:
•Hebrews 2:3 warns, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”
•John 6:68 reminds us that only in Christ do we “have the words of eternal life.”
By remaining in the appointed place, the manslayer demonstrated trust in God’s revealed plan; leaving it signaled dangerous self-reliance.
summaryNumbers 35:26 teaches that God’s mercy comes with definite boundaries. The accidental killer was perfectly safe within the city God provided, yet stepping outside brought him back under the justice he deserved. Likewise, we are secure when we abide in the refuge God has given—ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 6:18–20). To stray from that refuge is to forfeit protection and face judgment.
(26)
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city . . . --As the bodily safety of the Israelite who had slain a man depended upon his strict observance of the law which required him to remain within the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, so in the same way the spiritual safety of the believer depends upon his exclusive reliance upon the merits and efficacy of the atoning death and righteousness of Christ, seeing that "there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we may be saved; neither is there salvation in any other" (
Acts 4:12).
Verse 26. -
Without the border of the city,i.e., no doubt beyond its "suburbs."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But ifוְאִם־(wə·’im-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notthe manslayerהָרֹצֵ֑חַ(hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7523:To dash in pieces, kill, to murderever goes outsideיָצֹ֥א(yā·ṣō)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximthe limitsגְּבוּל֙(gə·ḇūl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366:A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosedof the cityעִ֣יר(‘îr)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892:Excitementof refugeמִקְלָט֔וֹ(miq·lā·ṭōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4733:Refuge, asylumto which he fledיָנ֖וּס(yā·nūs)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish away
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OT Law: Numbers 35:26 But if the manslayer shall at any (Nu Num.)