Joshua 20:2,3
“Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, so that one who commits manslaughter by killing a person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.”
God is building a nation. The people have their tribes and regions where they live. They have the Ten Commandments by which they are to be governed. I’ve heard many times that this system of rules is how our justice system has been built.
Here’s how all this works. In the law if someone is killed, the avenger of blood is the next male relative. He is to put killer to death. That is if the killing was murder. Today’s passage is talking about manslaughter, that is death by accident. The whole community supports this.
What comes to mind is the situation in which the avenger of blood is like Jacob, a man of peace and the killers is like Esau, a proven hunter. I would say the elders of the town help with this. Jacob would go to them and speak of the death. They would consider the case and allow Jacob to do the executing or Esau would be set free. It’s not a test of strength. This is my opinion as to how this would be worked out.
The accused is to flee to one of the cities of refuge. If he doesn’t the avenger of blood can put him to death without a trial. If he goes to the city of refuge, he is safe until the elders make their judgement as to whether it was murder or manslaughter.
Time is of the esscense. As soon as there is the death, the accused should flee to the city of refuge. It may be a several hour journey. What’s interesting is the person may be wounded. He needs medical attention. The accused should get help. I can see the dilema. What if he dies while attempting to get help. This effort would give the avenger of blood time to get set up to execute justice. The accused would have lost his time advantage. I would hope the avenger would appreciate the effort and give that person grace and allow them time to get to the city of refuge.
When was this practice get eliminated? I would assume it was paused based on if the Israel was free or under the rule of a foreign power. The priests in Jesus’ time didn’t have the power to execute someone. Only Rome had the power to execute capitol punishment.
In the New Testament Paul referred to governments as the one who tried cases and executed justice. Jesus seemed to remove seeking justice from individuals in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:38-42 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘EYE FOR EYE, and TOOTH FOR TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” This doesn’t mean crimes aren’t to be reported. We aren’t to be avengers. Governments, courts and police execute justice.
It is fascinating to see how God established Israel with it’s system of justice. The focus of God pivoted to the gentiles in the book of Acts. In the New Testament believers are to be subservient to governments, that is unless their laws violate God’s laws.
God, Your ways are amazing. Your establishing civil societies are great. Thank You for the Sermon on the Mount and the establishing of governments. You are good.
