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The term "Avenger of Blood" refers to a person who is responsible for avenging the death of a relative, as outlined in the Old Testament. This role is deeply rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system and is primarily discussed in the context of the cities of refuge, which were established to provide protection for those who committed unintentional manslaughter.

Biblical Context and Definition

The concept of the Avenger of Blood is primarily found in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. The Hebrew term for Avenger of Blood is "go'el ha-dam," which translates to "redeemer of blood." This individual is typically the nearest male relative of the deceased, tasked with ensuring justice is served by pursuing the killer.

Scriptural References

1.Numbers 35:19 · "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him." This verse establishes the duty of the Avenger of Blood to execute justice upon the murderer, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the seriousness of murder.

2.Deuteronomy 19:11-12 · "But if someone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, attacks him, and strikes him fatally, and he flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city shall send for him, take him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood to die." This passage distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental killing, underscoring the Avenger of Blood's role in cases of intentional homicide.

3.Joshua 20:3 · "so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." This verse highlights the provision of cities of refuge, where those who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum from the Avenger of Blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

Cities of Refuge

The cities of refuge were a divine provision to ensure that justice was tempered with mercy. They served as a safeguard against the potential for excessive retribution by the Avenger of Blood. According toNumbers 35:6-34, six cities were designated as places where the accused could flee to avoid immediate retribution and await trial. If the killing was determined to be accidental, the individual could remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution.

Theological Implications

The role of the Avenger of Blood reflects the biblical principle of justice and the value placed on human life. It underscores the need for a balance between justice and mercy, as well as the importance of due process. The provision of cities of refuge illustrates God's concern for both the victim's family and the accused, ensuring that justice is served while preventing the cycle of blood vengeance.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In ancient Israelite society, the family was the primary unit of social and legal responsibility. The Avenger of Blood acted as a protector of family honor and a deterrent against murder. This role also served to maintain social order by providing a structured means of addressing homicide, thus preventing feuds and cycles of violence.

The Avenger of Blood is a vivid example of how the ancient legal system sought to balance justice with compassion, reflecting the character of God as both just and merciful.Avenger of Blood

SeeBLOOD, REFUGE, CITIES OF.

The Cities of Refuge
... of Moses: 3. That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may
flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from theavenger ofblood.4. And...

The Kinsman Redeemer
... The Kinsman-Avenger ofblood. It... The old Kinsman-Avenger ofblood avenged
it by shedding the shedder'sblood in retribution. But...

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in...
... declared rebels, because of his and their own rebellion, the Lord hath appointed
a city of refuge, that whosoever is pursued by theavenger ofblood, may enter...

When travelling lately through the Simplon
... scrip or pilgrim-staff. TheAvenger ofblood may be in the adjoining street,
or in the dwelling hard by. Another hour may be fatal...

The Gospel Refuge.
... In them, and in them only, was the manslayer safe from theavenger ofblood.... Even
if he were but one footstep without, theavenger ofblood could cut him down....

Job's Faith and Expectation
... He with whom the right of redemption lay (Numbers 35:19, 21; Ruth 4:1-3) ; and who,
by virtue of his nearness of relation, was the legalavenger ofblood....

The Kinsman-Redeemer
... contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes
translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' ofblood....

The Six Cities.
... that sojourneth among them, that whosoever Killeth any person at unawares might
flee thither, and not die by the hand of theAvenger ofBlood, until he stood...

Messiah's Easy Yoke
... of refuge (Joshua 20:2.3) , till, by having unwittingly slain a man, he was exposed
to the resentment of the next of kin, the legalavenger ofblood; but then...

The Grasp that Brings Peace
... A fugitive with the hot breath of theavenger ofblood panting behind him, and almost
feeling the spear-point in his back, would not let the grass grow under...

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