Numbers 35:15

15 As well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will.

Numbers 35:15 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:15

These six cities shall be a refuge both for the children of
Israel and for the stranger
For an Israelite, and a proselyte of righteousness, one that embraced the Jewish religion, and in all things conformed to it, and to whom there was but one law in things civil and religious:

and for the sojourner among you;
the proselyte of the gate, who renounced idolatry, and observed the commands of the sons of Noah, but in other things did not comply with the Jewish ceremonies, yet had the benefit of the cities of refuge equally with the other; though the Jews say F16, such a proselyte or sojourner had only this privilege, who slew a proselyte, but not if he slew an Israelite; but for this distinction there is no foundation in the text:

that everyone that killeth any person unawares may flee thither;
whether an Israelite, or a proselyte of righteousness or of the gate.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 3.

Numbers 35:15 In-Context

13 And of those cities, that are separated for the refuge of fugitives,
14 Three shall be beyond the Jordan, and three in the land of Chanaan,
15 As well for the children of Israel as for strangers and sojourners, that he may flee to them, who hath shed blood against his will.
16 If any man strike with iron, and he die that was struck: he shall be guilty of murder, and he himself shall die.
17 If he throw a stone, and he that is struck die: he shall be punished in the same manner.
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