Numbers 35:32

32 " 'Do not accept payment for anyone who has run to a city for safety. Do not let him buy his freedom to return home. He must not go back and live on his own land 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 " 'Suppose a person kills someone. That person must be put to death as a murderer. But do it only when there are witnesses who can tell what happened. Do not put anyone to death if only one witness tells what happened.

31 " 'Do not accept payment for a murderer's life. He should die. He must certainly be put to death.

32 " 'Do not accept payment for anyone who has run to a city for safety. Do not let him buy his freedom to return home. He must not go back and live on his own land before the high priest dies.

33 " 'Do not pollute the land where you are. Murder pollutes the land. Only one thing can pay to remove the pollution in the land where murder has been committed. The blood of the one who spilled another's blood must be spilled.

34 So do not make the land where you live "unclean." I live there too. I live among the people of Israel. I am the Lord.' "