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AVENGER OF BLOOD
Person who performed the duty of pursuing and ultimately executing the murderer of a close relative (Nm 35). Such a “redeemer” was expected to act in instances of deliberate murder but not of accidental manslaughter. A person guilty of manslaughter could find asylum in any one of six designated cities throughout the land (35:11) so that regular judicial processes could be set in motion. The avenger of blood can be seen in the accounts of Gideon (Jgs 8:18-21), Joab (2 Sm 3:27, 30), the Gibeonites (2 Sm 21), and Amaziah (2 Kgs 14:5-6). During the monarchy the king could evidently thwart the avenger (2 Sm 14:8-11).
The custom was rooted in the ordinance of God that required a life for a life in any case of intentional homicide (Gn 9:6). Unfortunately, the intent of the law—to impress upon humanity the sacredness of human life—has sometimes been greatly distorted, leading to blood feuds and the annihilation of whole families in some societies.
See also Civil Law and Justice.