Numbers 35:26

26 “But if the slayer ever leaves the limits of the city of refuge,

Numbers 35:26 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:26

But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of
the city of his refuge
Which seems to be the three thousand cubits assigned to every city of the Levites, and so to the cities of refuge; and which, according to the Jewish writers, were a refuge, as the city itself; and it is said ^F24,

``he, that kills a man there, is killed for him, but though the border is a refuge, the slayer does not dwell in it, as it is said. ( Numbers 35:25 ) , "he shall abide in it", but not in its borders:''

whither he was fled;
on account of manslaughter.

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 Maimon. Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 8. sect. 11. Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 7.

Numbers 35:26 In-Context

24 If this should happen, the community must follow these regulations in making a judgment between the slayer and the avenger, the victim’s nearest relative:

25 The community must protect the slayer from the avenger and must escort the slayer back to live in the city of refuge to which he fled. There he must remain until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the sacred oil.

26 “But if the slayer ever leaves the limits of the city of refuge,

27 and the avenger finds him outside the city and kills him, it will not be considered murder.

28 The slayer should have stayed inside the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest, the slayer may return to his own property.