Numbers 35:32

32 "'If someone has run to a city of safety, don't take money to let the person go back home before the high priest dies.

Numbers 35:32 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:32

Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled
to the city of his refuge
Though for killing a man unawares:

that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the
priest;
the high priest; such a man's liberty was not to be purchased with money, nor even his life to be bought off, should he be taken without his city; a great ransom could not deliver him from the avenger, because he was guilty of this law, which so wisely and mercifully provided for him; and consequently guilty also of great ingratitude to God, as well as of a breach of his law, and of disrespect to his high priest, under whom he was protected.

Numbers 35:32 In-Context

30 "'If anyone kills a person, the murderer may be put to death only if there are witnesses. No one may be put to death with only one witness.

31 "'Don't take money to spare the life of a murderer who should be put to death. A murderer must be put to death.

32 "'If someone has run to a city of safety, don't take money to let the person go back home before the high priest dies.

33 "'Don't let murder spoil your land. The only way to remove the sin of killing an innocent person is for the murderer to be put to death.

34 I am the Lord, and I live among the Israelites. I live in that land with you, so do not spoil it with murder.'"