Numbers 35:24
Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁפְטוּ֙
shall judge
H8199
וְשָֽׁפְטוּ֙
shall judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 10
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
Then the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
Then the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
2 of 10
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בֵּ֚ין
H996
בֵּ֚ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
3 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הַמַּכֶּ֔ה
between the slayer
H5221
הַמַּכֶּ֔ה
between the slayer
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
4 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וּבֵ֖ין
H996
וּבֵ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
גֹּאֵ֣ל
and the revenger
H1350
גֹּאֵ֣ל
and the revenger
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
6 of 10
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
הַדָּ֑ם
of blood
H1818
הַדָּ֑ם
of blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
7 of 10
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
עַ֥ל
H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Joshua 20:6And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.Numbers 35:12And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
Historical Context
The 'congregation' (edah) served as Israel's judicial assembly, particularly for capital cases requiring communal validation (Leviticus 24:14-16). This system, established at Sinai (1446 BC), prevented vigilante justice while involving the community in upholding God's law.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God require the congregation, not just the avenger of blood, to judge—what safeguards does community justice provide?
- How does the phrase 'according to these judgments' establish the rule of law rather than rule by passion or revenge?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood (הָעֵדָה, ha-edah)—the assembly, Israel's judicial body, adjudicated disputed cases. This prevented the go'el ha-dam from acting as judge, jury, and executioner. Community involvement ensured impartial justice: witnesses testified, evidence was examined, and intent was discerned.
According to these judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim)—the ordinances detailed in verses 16-23. Biblical justice wasn't arbitrary but codified, transparent, and rooted in divine revelation. The congregation applied God's mishpatim, not human sentiment or tribal loyalty.