Numbers 35:26

26 But if the killer ever goes outside the boundaries of the refuge city where he fled

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 then the community must come to a verdict between the killer and the close relative in accordance with these case laws.

25 The community will protect the killer from the hand of the close relative and return him to the refuge city where he fled. He will live there until the death of the high priest who was anointed with holy oil.

26 But if the killer ever goes outside the boundaries of the refuge city where he fled

27 and the close relative finds him outside the boundary of his refuge city and kills him, he will not be responsible for his blood.

28 The killer must live in his refuge city until the high priest's death. After the high priest's death the killer may return to the land he owns.