Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 35:29 mean?
A: Numbers 35:29 states that certain laws (specifically those regarding cities of refuge and accidental killings) are to be observed as eternal statutes for all generations, no matter where the Jewish people live. This emphasizes the timeless nature of Torah law, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reinforces the principle that Torah laws are binding for all time and in all places. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that such verses remind us of the unchanging nature of halacha (Jewish law), ensuring justice and divine commandments remain central to Jewish life in every generation.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 35:29 today?
A: We learn that Torah laws are not limited by time or location. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) discusses how this applies even in exile, showing that Jewish legal and moral obligations persist regardless of circumstance. This teaches us the enduring relevance of Torah principles in daily life.
Q: How does 'statute of judgment' apply in practical halacha?
A: The term 'statute of judgment' (חֻקַּת מִשְׁפָּט) refers to laws that must be upheld by Jewish courts in every generation. As the Sifrei explains, this includes the proper implementation of justice through sanhedrin and beit din systems, ensuring Torah law governs interpersonal and societal matters at all times.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'in all your dwellings'?
A: The phrase 'in all your dwellings' teaches that these laws apply both in the Land of Israel and in the diaspora. As Nachmanides (Ramban) notes, this demonstrates that Torah observance isn't dependent on geographic location - Jewish communities worldwide must uphold these eternal statutes.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Numbers 35:29) appears in the context of the laws concerning the cities of refuge (ערי מקלט) and the procedures for handling cases of unintentional manslaughter. It establishes that these laws are eternal and binding for all generations, regardless of where the Jewish people reside.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on this verse by emphasizing that the phrase "לְחֻקַּת מִשְׁפָּט" (a statute of judgment) indicates that these laws are immutable and must be upheld by the courts in every generation. He notes that the term "בְּכֹל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם" (in all your dwellings) teaches that these laws apply even outside the Land of Israel, underscoring their universal and timeless nature.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Rotzeach 8:4), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that the cities of refuge and their associated laws remain in effect even when the Sanhedrin is not convened. This reinforces the idea that the Torah's judicial statutes are perpetual obligations, not contingent on specific historical or political circumstances.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 10) connects this verse to the broader principle of divine justice, teaching that the laws of the cities of refuge reflect Hashem's mercy even in cases of accidental wrongdoing. The phrase "לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם" (throughout your generations) is interpreted as a reminder that justice must be administered with the same care and precision in every era.
Halachic Implications