Chapter 35:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
Numbers 35
Concise Complete
The cities of the Levites. (1-8) The cities of refuge,
The laws about murder. (9-34)
Verses 1-8 The
cities of the priests and Levites were not only to accommodate them, but to
place them, as religious teachers, in several parts of the land. For though the
typical service of the tabernacle or temple was only in one place, the preaching
of the word of God, and prayer and praise, were not thus confined. These cities
were to be given out of each tribe. Each thus made a grateful acknowledgement to
God. Each tribe had the benefit of the Levites dwelling amongst them, to teach
them the knowledge of the Lord; thus no parts of the country were left to sit in
darkness. The gospel provides that he who is taught in the word, should
communicate to him that teaches, in all good things, Ga 6:6. We are to free
God's ministers from distracting cares, and to leave them at leisure for the
duties of their station; so that they may be wholly employed therein, and avail
themselves of every opportunity, by acts of kindness, to gain the good-will of
the people, and to draw their attention.
Verses 9-34 To
show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide the more effectually for
the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased, under the
title of avenger of blood, (or the redeemer of blood,) in notorious cases, might
pursue, and execute vengeance. A distinction is made, not between sudden anger
and malice aforethought, both which are the crime of murder; but between
intentionally striking a man with any weapon likely to cause death, and an
unintentional blow. In the latter case alone, the city of refuge afforded
protection. Murder in all its forms, and under all disguises, pollutes a land.
Alas! that so many murders, under the name of duels, prize-fights, &c.
should pass unpunished. There were six cities of refuge; one or other might be
reached in less than a day's journey from any part of the land. To these,
man-slayers might flee for refuge, and be safe, till they had a fair trial. If
acquitted from the charge, they were protected from the avenger of blood; yet
they must continue within the bounds of the city till the death of the high
priest. Thus we are reminded that the death of the great High Priest is the only
means whereby sins are pardoned, and sinners set at liberty. These cities are
plainly alluded to, both in the Old and New Testament, we cannot doubt the
typical character of their appointment. Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners
of hope, saith the voice of mercy,
zechariah 9:12,
alluding to the city of refuge. St. Paul describes the strong consolation of
fleeing for refuge to the hope set before us, in a passage always applied to the
gracious appointment of the cities of refuge,
hebrews 6:18. The rich
mercies of salvation, through Christ, prefigured by these cities, demand our
regard. 1. Did the ancient city rear its towers of safety on high? See Christ
raised up on the cross; and is he not exalted at the right hand of his Father,
to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins? 2. Does
not the highway of salvation, resemble the smooth and plain path to the city of
refuge? Survey the path that leads to the Redeemer. Is there any stumbling-block
to be found therein, except that which an evil heart of unbelief supplies for
its own fall? 3. Waymarks were set up pointing to the city. And is it not the
office of the ministers of the gospel to direct sinners to Him? 4. The gate of
the city stood open night and day. Has not Christ declared, Him that cometh unto
me I will in nowise cast out? 5. The city of refuge afforded support to every
one who entered its walls. Those who have reached the refuge, may live by faith
on Him whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed. 6. The city
was a refuge for all. In the gospel there is no respect of persons. That soul
lives not which deserves not Divine wrath; that soul lives not which may not in
simple faith hope for salvation and life eternal, through the Son of God.
Chapter 35:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
