Question 1

What is a city of refuge and why did God command Israel to have them?

Accepted Answer

A city of refuge was a safe place that God told Israel to set apart inside the land. If someone killed another person by accident, without hatred or planning, they could run to one of these cities and be protected from the “avenger of blood,” the family member who might try to take their life in anger. God gave these cities so that innocent blood would not be shed and so people who made a tragic mistake would not be treated like murderers. It shows God cares about both justice and mercy.

Question 2

Who is the “avenger of blood” in this passage and what could he do?

Accepted Answer

The “avenger of blood” is a close relative of the person who was killed. In that culture, the nearest family member was expected to seek justice when a loved one died. Without God’s law, this could turn into hot‑headed revenge, even against someone who caused death by accident. This passage limits that. If the killing was unintentional, the person could flee to a city of refuge and live. If it was planned murder, the elders were to hand the killer over to the avenger so justice would be done.

Question 3

How does this passage tell the difference between accidental killing and murder?

Accepted Answer

The passage makes a clear line between someone who kills “ignorantly” and someone who hates and lies in wait. An example of accident is given: two neighbors go to cut wood, the axe head slips off by mistake, and one man dies. There was no hatred before, no argument, just a tragic event. Murder is different. It involves hatred, waiting in secret, rising up, and striking a person so he dies. The law looks at the heart and the actions together, not just the outcome, to decide guilt.

Question 4

Why did God say to prepare the way to the cities of refuge?

Accepted Answer

God told Israel to “prepare” the way and divide the land so every slayer could reach a city of refuge. The idea is that the roads should be open and clear so a frightened person could run there quickly. If the path was long or blocked, the avenger of blood might catch him while his heart was hot and kill someone who was not truly guilty of murder. This shows God’s kindness in making mercy easy to reach and his concern that justice not be rushed in anger.

Question 5

What does it mean that innocent blood should not be shed in the land?

Accepted Answer

Innocent blood means the life of someone who does not deserve to die. God warns that if Israel does not provide refuge for the accidental killer, or if they protect a true murderer, they share in the guilt of that blood. The land God gave them is his gift, and he wants it free from unjust killing. If they ignore this, “blood is upon” them, meaning they are responsible before God. So the law guards life and teaches that the whole community shares duty for fair judgment.

Question 6

Why are willful murderers denied refuge in these cities?

Accepted Answer

The passage is very firm that someone who hates his neighbor, waits for him, and kills him on purpose cannot hide in a city of refuge. The elders of his city must send, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood. God even says, “Thine eye shall not pity him.” This is not about cruelty but about taking life seriously. If planned murder were excused, innocent blood would remain on the land. God requires that such guilt be removed so it may go well with the people.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character in justice and mercy?

Accepted Answer

These verses show that God cares deeply about both fairness and compassion. He does not treat every killing the same. He knows people can make terrible mistakes without hate in their hearts, so he provides real protection and time for a proper hearing. At the same time, he does not allow those who plan and carry out murder to escape. Mercy is given to the truly innocent in intention, and judgment falls on the guilty. God’s justice is careful, not driven by rage, and his mercy is real but not careless.

Question 8

How did obedience to these commands affect life in Israel’s land?

Accepted Answer

God ties these laws to life in the land he promised. If Israel obeys by setting up cities of refuge and adding more if their borders grow, they help prevent the shedding of innocent blood. When they hand over true murderers and do not pity them in that role, they “put away” the guilt of innocent blood from Israel. God says this is so “it may go well” with them. Their safety, peace, and blessing in the land are linked to how they protect life and carry out justice his way.

Deuteronomy 19:1

When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;

Cities of Refuge

Cities of Refuge

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Deuteronomy 19:1

When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;

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Cities of Refuge

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