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Numbers 35:14 - Refuge for accidental killers?

Numbers 35:14 - במדבר 35:14

Hebrew Text

אֵת שְׁלֹשׁ הֶעָרִים תִּתְּנוּ מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן וְאֵת שְׁלֹשׁ הֶעָרִים תִּתְּנוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן עָרֵי מִקְלָט תִּהְיֶינָה׃

English Translation

You shall give three cities on this side of the Yarden, and three cities shall you give in the land of Kena῾an; cities of refuge shall they be.

Transliteration

Et shlosh he'arim titnu me'ever laYarden ve'et shlosh he'arim titnu be'eretz Knaan arei miklat tihyena.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣ת <b>׀</b> שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶעָרִ֗ים תִּתְּנוּ֙ מֵעֵ֣בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וְאֵת֙ שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶֽעָרִ֔ים תִּתְּנ֖וּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן עָרֵ֥י מִקְלָ֖ט תִּהְיֶֽינָה׃
אֵ֣ת ׀ שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶעָרִ֗ים תִּתְּנוּ֙ מֵעֵ֣בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וְאֵת֙ שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶֽעָרִ֔ים תִּתְּנ֖וּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן עָרֵ֥י מִקְלָ֖ט תִּהְיֶֽינָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Cities of Refuge

The verse (Bamidbar 35:14) commands the establishment of six cities of refuge (arei miklat), three on the eastern side of the Jordan River and three in the land of Canaan. These cities served as sanctuaries for individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter, protecting them from blood avengers (go'el hadam). The division between the two regions ensured accessibility for all tribes of Israel, as explained by Rashi (Bamidbar 35:14).

Geographical Distribution

The Torah specifies that three cities were to be designated in Transjordan (ever haYarden) and three in Canaan proper. Ramban (Bamidbar 35:14) notes that this division reflects the settlement patterns of the tribes, ensuring equitable access regardless of where one lived. The Talmud (Makkot 9b) further elaborates that the cities were strategically placed along major roadways, marked with clear signage to guide fugitives.

Purpose and Halachic Function

  • Protection from Blood Avengers: The primary role of these cities was to shield accidental killers from vengeful relatives (Rashi, Bamidbar 35:12).
  • Inadvertent vs. Intentional Acts: The Mishnah (Makkot 2:1) distinguishes between unintentional manslaughter (which qualifies for refuge) and premeditated murder (which does not).
  • Duration of Stay: The fugitive remained in the city until the death of the Kohen Gadol (Bamidbar 35:25), symbolizing atonement through the leadership of the generation (Rambam, Hilchot Rotzeach 7:1).

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 161) teaches that the cities of refuge also served as centers of Torah study, emphasizing that true refuge is found in spiritual growth. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Bamidbar 35:14) adds that their placement in both settled and frontier regions symbolizes that Divine justice and mercy extend to all parts of the land.

Connection to the Levites

These cities were also Levitical cities (Bamidbar 35:6), reinforcing their role as places of moral and spiritual guidance. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) notes that the presence of Levites—teachers of Torah—ensured that the accidental killer would reflect on his actions and repent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Makkot 9b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding cities of refuge (ערי מקלט), particularly concerning the allocation and purpose of these cities as prescribed in the Torah.
📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the division of the Land of Israel and the establishment of cities of refuge on both sides of the Jordan River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'cities of refuge' mentioned in Numbers 35:14?
A: The 'cities of refuge' (עָרֵי מִקְלָט) were six cities designated in the Torah where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for protection from avengers. This is explained in the Talmud (Makkot 9b-10a) and by Rashi on this verse. Three were located east of the Jordan River, and three in the land of Canaan.
Q: Why were there three cities on each side of the Jordan River?
A: The Torah specifies three cities on each side of the Jordan to ensure easy access for all tribes of Israel, whether they lived in the land of Canaan or the territories east of the Jordan (Rambam, Hilchot Rotzeach 8:4). This balanced distribution made sure no one would have to travel too far to reach safety.
Q: What is the purpose of the cities of refuge?
A: The cities of refuge provided justice and mercy. They protected someone who killed accidentally (שוגג) from being killed in revenge, while still requiring them to live in exile until the death of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). This is discussed in the Talmud (Makkot 10a) and shows the Torah's careful balance between accountability and compassion.
Q: Do the cities of refuge have any relevance today?
A: While we no longer have functioning cities of refuge, the concept teaches important values about justice, repentance, and protecting life. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) also derives laws about accidental harm from these passages, showing how Torah principles apply even when specific mitzvot cannot be practiced.
Q: How were the cities of refuge chosen?
A: The cities were selected from the Levitical cities (Numbers 35:6), as the Levites were teachers of Torah and could guide those seeking refuge. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) also states they had to be in populated areas with access to water and markets, ensuring the refugee could live there properly.