This verse shows God’s concern for justice, mercy, and unity in the land of Israel.
"You shall give three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge" (v.14). In this passage, Moses conveys the divine instruction for six cities of refuge to be set apart among the Israelites. By dividing these protective cities on both sides of the Jordan River, the LORD establishes a balanced arrangement so that all people can access mercy and justice. The Jordan River itself, stretching from the Sea of Galilee in northern territory to the Dead Sea in the south, formed a distinct boundary in the ancient Middle East. Situating three cities on each side of this major geographical landmark underscored the LORD’s concern for every community member’s safety and legal rights.
“You shall give three cities across the Jordan” (v.14) further highlights the significance of that eastern side of the river, often referred to as the Transjordan region. This area played a role in Israel’s history when certain tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh—settled there after the Exodus. Moses, who is believed to have lived roughly between 1526 BC and 1406 BC, led the Israelites out of Egypt around 1446 BC. As Israel traveled through the wilderness, Moses emphasized God’s instructions for how they would dwell in the Promised Land, historically identified as Canaan. “…and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge” (v.14) then connects this concept of sanctuary to the heartland of Israel’s inheritance, unifying eastern and western areas under the same divine provision. Later in biblical history, these cities continued to serve as safe havens from unjust retribution (Joshua 20:2-3), foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual refuge received through Jesus (Hebrews 6:18).
This designation of six cities, divided equally across geographical boundaries, safeguarded God’s people from vengeance killings in cases of accidental manslaughter and ensured a fair trial. By setting these plans in place, the LORD laid the groundwork for justice tempered with compassion. The arrangement both prevented sweeping bloodshed and taught the Israelites to cherish equitable legal processes. In a broader biblical context, this principle mirrors the grace believers find in Christ, who offers refuge to all who seek Him (John 6:37).
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Numbers 35:14 meaning
"You shall give three cities across the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge" (v.14). In this passage, Moses conveys the divine instruction for six cities of refuge to be set apart among the Israelites. By dividing these protective cities on both sides of the Jordan River, the LORD establishes a balanced arrangement so that all people can access mercy and justice. The Jordan River itself, stretching from the Sea of Galilee in northern territory to the Dead Sea in the south, formed a distinct boundary in the ancient Middle East. Situating three cities on each side of this major geographical landmark underscored the LORD’s concern for every community member’s safety and legal rights.
“You shall give three cities across the Jordan” (v.14) further highlights the significance of that eastern side of the river, often referred to as the Transjordan region. This area played a role in Israel’s history when certain tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh—settled there after the Exodus. Moses, who is believed to have lived roughly between 1526 BC and 1406 BC, led the Israelites out of Egypt around 1446 BC. As Israel traveled through the wilderness, Moses emphasized God’s instructions for how they would dwell in the Promised Land, historically identified as Canaan. “…and three cities in the land of Canaan; they are to be cities of refuge” (v.14) then connects this concept of sanctuary to the heartland of Israel’s inheritance, unifying eastern and western areas under the same divine provision. Later in biblical history, these cities continued to serve as safe havens from unjust retribution (Joshua 20:2-3), foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual refuge received through Jesus (Hebrews 6:18).
This designation of six cities, divided equally across geographical boundaries, safeguarded God’s people from vengeance killings in cases of accidental manslaughter and ensured a fair trial. By setting these plans in place, the LORD laid the groundwork for justice tempered with compassion. The arrangement both prevented sweeping bloodshed and taught the Israelites to cherish equitable legal processes. In a broader biblical context, this principle mirrors the grace believers find in Christ, who offers refuge to all who seek Him (John 6:37).