Numbers 35:32

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 35:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.
Numbers 35:32 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 35

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32And ye shall take no ransom for him that is fled to his city of refuge, that he may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, etc.] Though for killing a man unawares: that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest; the high priest; such a man’s liberty was not to be purchased with money, nor even his life to be bought off, should he be taken without his city; a great ransom could not deliver him from the avenger, because he was guilty of this law, which so wisely and mercifully provided for him; and consequently guilty also of great ingratitude to God, as well as of a breach of his law, and of disrespect to his high priest, under whom he was protected.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Act 4:12; Gal 2:21, Gal 3:10-13, Gal 3:22; Rev 5:9; The region east of Jordan was nearly as long as that on the west, and therefore three cities were appointed in each division. One or other of these cities would be within half a day's journey of every part of the land; and as it would rarely happen that the avenger of blood would be on the spot, and none had a right to assault or detain the manslayer, at least if no malicious intention was manifest, the unhappy men would, therefore, get the start of their adversaries, and very few of them be overtaken before they gained the place of refuge. But then they must forsake their families, employments, most important interests, and dearest…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification