What does Numbers 35:21 mean?
"Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him." - Numbers 35:21
Numbers 35:21 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer when he meeteth him."
This verse comes from the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament of the Bible and is part of the laws given to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. The context of this verse is within a larger section that discusses cities of refuge, where individuals who accidentally caused the death of another person could find protection from avengers seeking retribution.
The specific verse 35:21 deals with the case of deliberate murder. It states that if someone kills another person intentionally, the murderer shall be put to death. This concept aligns with the broader context of the Old Testament law, which emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the importance of justice for those who take it unlawfully.
The themes present in Numbers 35:21 include justice, righteousness, and the value of human life. The verse underscores the principle of retribution for intentional harm and serves as a deterrent against committing murder. It also highlights the responsibility of the community to uphold justice and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The symbolism in this verse is largely centered around the concept of blood and the idea of atonement. The mention of a "revenger of blood" refers to the role of a designated avenger who sought justice for the shedding of innocent blood. In ancient Israelite society, the shedding of blood carried profound spiritual and moral implications, and the act of slaying the murderer was seen as a form of atonement for the victim's blood.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the revenger of blood and the concept of bloodguilt points to the larger theological theme of atonement and the need for reconciliation between God and humanity. The shedding of blood in the context of Old Testament law foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ through his sacrificial death on the cross.
In a broader sense, Numbers 35:21 also raises ethical questions about the nature of justice and the appropriate consequences for those who commit grave offenses. The verse prompts reflection on the human inclination towards violence and the need for social order and accountability to prevent chaos and anarchy.
Overall, Numbers 35:21 offers a profound insight into the moral and ethical principles that underpin the Old Testament law. It underscores the significance of justice, the sanctity of human life, and the need for atonement in the face of wrongdoing. In a Christian context, it also points to the ultimate atonement provided through the blood of Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and reconciliation for all who seek it.
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Numbers 35:21 Artwork
Numbers 35:21 - "Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him."
"Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him." - Numbers 35:21
Picture representing Numbers 21:21-35
Numbers 21:35 - "So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land."
Numbers 32:35 - "And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,"
Numbers 35:9 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
"So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land." - Numbers 21:35
Numbers 33:35 - "And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber."
Numbers 35. City of refuge and blood avenger
Numbers 11:35 - "And the people journeyed from Kibroth-hattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth."
Numbers 35:24 - "Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:"
"And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah," - Numbers 32:35
Numbers 35:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,"
"And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah," - Numbers 32:35
Joshua 21:35 - "Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities."
Genesis 35:21 - "¶ And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar."
Numbers 35:20 - "But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;"
Numbers 1:35 - "Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred."
Numbers 35:13 - "And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge."
Luke 21:35 - "For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth."
Numbers 35:3 - "And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts."
6 cities of refuge in the map ads provided in numbers 35
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 35:9
Numbers 16:35 - "And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense."
Numbers 21:21 - "¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,"
Numbers 3:35 - "And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward."
Numbers 35:29 - "So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings."
Numbers 29:35 - "¶ On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:"
Numbers 35:26 - "But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;"
Matthew 21:35 - "And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another."