Numbers 35:23

23 or with any stone, without seeing it dropped on him so that he dies, while [he was] not seeking his injury,

Numbers 35:23 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:23

Or with any stone wherewith a man may die
Which is sufficient to kill a man, if thrown at him:

seeing him not;
and so without intention: the Jews F19 from hence gather, that a blind man is to be acquitted and dismissed, and not banished and so stands in no need of a city of refuge; though others say he is to be banished, and needs it, and ought to have the privilege of it:

and cast it upon him that he die;
casting, it upon another account, and with another view, but yet falling upon a man, it kills him;

and was not his enemy, neither sought him harm;
it was never known that they were at variance, or that the slayer had ever by any overt act discovered any malice and enmity against the deceased, by word or deed, or ever sought to do him any injury, either to his person or property.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 3.

Numbers 35:23 In-Context

21 or if he hits him in hostility with his hand, and he dies, the one that struck him will put to death the killer when meeting him.
22 " 'Or if in an instant he shoved him, not in hostility, or threw something at him without intention,
23 or with any stone, without seeing it dropped on him so that he dies, while [he was] not seeking his injury,
24 then the community will judge between the striker and between the blood avenger according to these ordinances.
25 The community will deliver the killer from the hand of the blood avenger, and the community will restore him to the city of his refuge to which he fled; and he will live there in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with holy oil.
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