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;
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֵצֵ֖א
come
H3318
יֵצֵ֖א
come
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יֵצֵ֖א
come
H3318
יֵצֵ֖א
come
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הָֽרֹצֵ֑חַ
But if the slayer
H7523
הָֽרֹצֵ֑חַ
But if the slayer
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גְּבוּל֙
without the border
H1366
גְּבוּל֙
without the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
עִ֣יר
of the city
H5892
עִ֣יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The six cities of refuge were substantial Levitical cities (Joshua 21), not mere outposts. Residents could work, worship, and live normally—but never leave. Archaeological evidence from Hebron and Shechem shows these were thriving urban centers where manslayers could build meaningful lives while exiled.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the strict boundary of the refuge city teach about the limits of God's protective grace for those who willfully stray?
- How does the requirement to remain within the city's border illustrate Jesus's command to 'abide in Me' (John 15:4-6)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge—the asylum was geographically bounded. Stepping outside, even momentarily, forfeited protection. The manslayer's safety depended entirely on remaining within prescribed limits, just as our spiritual security depends on abiding in Christ (John 15:4: 'Abide in me, and I in you').
The severity of this boundary underscores the seriousness of sanctuary. The city wasn't a prison—residents could move freely within—but leaving meant facing the go'el ha-dam without legal protection. Grace has boundaries; presuming upon it brings peril.