Numbers 35 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

4. At the plains of Moab (22:1–36:13) * Cities for the Levites (35:1–8) * Instructions concerning intentional and unintentional killing (35:9–34) In this chapter, Yahweh gives Moses instructions. The first part of the instructions indicate the number and size of cities and pasturelands that the Levites were to receive from the rest of the Israelites. The second part of the instructions indicate how the Israelites should deal with intentional and unintentional killings.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Cities of refuge

Six of the cities that the Israelites were supposed to give to the Levites functioned as cities of refuge. When a person killed someone, he or she normally deserved to be killed by the dead person’s close relative. However, if the person killed someone by accident, the person could flee to one of the six cities. If he or she stayed in that city, the dead person’s close relative was not allowed to kill him or her. In this way, the city provided refuge, or safety, for someone who unintentionally killed someone else. Eventually, that person would stand trial to confirm whether they killed someone unintentionally or intentionally.

One redeeming the blood

This chapter describes a close relative of a person who was killed as “one redeeming the blood.” This phrase fits with what Yahweh says in [35:33–34](../35/33.md). When a person kills someone (sheds their blood), redemption or atonement needs to be accomplished. The close relative could accomplish this redemption by killing the murderer. In this way, they “redeemed the blood” of their relative and made things right before God. (See: bloodshed and redeem)

Intentional and unintentional killing

This chapter distinguishes carefully between intentional killing (murder) and unintentional killing (manslaughter). The criteria for deciding between murder and manslaughter include the weapon used, the way the person died, the relationship between the people, and whether the action was intentional or accidental. Consider what words you might use to distinguish between murder (intentional killing) and manslaughter (unintentional killing).

The death of the high priest

Yahweh indicates that a person who killed someone unintentionally would have to stay in a city of refuge until the high priest died. What the high priest’s death accomplishes is not directly stated. Most likely, the high priest’s death atoned for all the unintentional killings during his time as high priest. This is like the sacrifices offered on the Day of the Atonement, which atoned for many sins committed throughout the year. However, since Yahweh does not make the function of the high priest’s death explicit, it is recommended that you also do not make it explicit in your translation.

Polluting the land

In [35:33–34](../35/33.md), Yahweh explains that whenever someone is killed, it pollutes or defiles the land where the Israelites live. This is not good, since Yahweh was present with the Israelites in the land. Because Yahweh was present, both the Israelites and their land needed to be pure. So, it was very important for the Israelites to deal with murder and manslaughter properly. Only executing a murderer and keeping a manslayer in a city of refuge would keep the land pure. These verses provide the motivation for following the commands earlier in the chapter. (See: purify and defile)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Metonymy with blood

Yahweh refers to “blood” ten times in this chapter. Blood can refer to death, or even more specifically to murder. It can also refer to the guilt from killing someone. See the UST for the meaning in each case. Blood is an important figure of speech in the Bible, so if possible include references to blood in your translation. (See: bloodshed and figs-metonymy)

Singular and plural “you”

Most instances of “you” in this chapter are plural. The only exceptions are when Yahweh is speaking directly to Moses in [35:2](../35/02.md) and [35:10](../35/10.md) and when Yahweh addresses each individual Israelite at the beginning of [35:34](../35/34.md). (See: figs-yousingular)