For the cattle — For pasturage for their cattle: where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards or vineyards, no nor sow corn, for which they were abundantly provided out of the first — fruits. And these suburbs did not belong to the Levites in common, but were distributed to them in... [ Continue Reading ]
A thousand cubits — In the next verse it is two thousand. But this verse and the next do not speak to the same thing; this speaks of the space from whence the suburbs shall be measured, the next speaks of the space unto which that measure shall be extended; and the words may very well be read thus.... [ Continue Reading ]
Cities for refuge — Or, of escape for manslayers: And these cities are assigned among the Levites, partly because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between man — slayers, and wilful murderers; partly because their presence and authority would more effectually bridle t... [ Continue Reading ]
Unawares — Not wilfully, designedly or maliciously, but through mistake or indiscretion.... [ Continue Reading ]
From the avenger — Heb. from the redeemer, or, from the next kinsman, to whom by the law belonged the right of redemption of the lands of; and vindication of the injury done to, the person deceased. Die not — Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place. Before the congregation — Bef... [ Continue Reading ]
On this side Jordan — Because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad, and besides these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan.... [ Continue Reading ]
If he smite him — Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice. He shall be put to death — Yea though he were fled into the city of refuge.... [ Continue Reading ]
He shall slay him — Either by himself, as the following words shew; so it is a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself: or by the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command.... [ Continue Reading ]
Then — If the man — slayer flee to to the city of refuge.... [ Continue Reading ]
He shall abide in it — Be confined to it, partly to shew the hatefulness of murder in God's account by so severe a punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it, and partly for the security of the man — slayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his conversation among the kindred of the... [ Continue Reading ]
Not guilty — Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God. This God ordained to oblige the man — slayer to abide in his city of refuge.... [ Continue Reading ]