Numbers 35:32

32 The banished and fugitives before the death of the high priest may by no means return into their own cities.

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 The murderer shall be punished by witnesses: none shall be condemned upon the evidence of one man.

31 You shall not take money of him that is guilty of blood, but he shall die forthwith.

32 The banished and fugitives before the death of the high priest may by no means return into their own cities.

33 Defile not the land of your habitation, which is stained with the blood of the innocent: neither can it otherwise be expiated, but by his blood that hath shed the blood of another.

34 And thus shall your possession be cleansed, myself abiding with you. For I am the Lord that dwell among the children of Israel.