Cities of Refuge
Deut. 19:1-13
Three cities are set up as places of refuge for those who kill someone by accident. This portion definitely sets a difference between murder and manslaughter and how they are different. It also makes us aware of various reasons that these places of refuge existed.
Previous to Deuteronomy the Altar was a refuge place but with the centralization of the Temple set up, an alternative was required.
So we find that these cities of refuge were the same cities where the priests or Levites lived. Possibly that those who needed refuge would have council of the priests to help them. Imagine that killing someone by accident would most likely result in terrible issues of guilt and remorse by the person who was responsible for the accident. They would need help in more ways that just to escape from the possibility of 'blood revenge'.
The Book of Joshua addresses the details of setting up the cities of refuge further.
Places of refuge exist today as well. One example is a National Park in Hawaii. About 20 years ago in El Salvador there were sanctuary congregations.
Relevant Book: Book about the French city of refuge during WWII
Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed -- by Philip P. Hallie
This portion contains much of the basis for a complex legal system defining 'manslaughter' as different from murder. Addressing differences in punishment.
Three cities are set up as places of refuge for those who kill someone by accident. This portion definitely sets a difference between murder and manslaughter and how they are different. It also makes us aware of various reasons that these places of refuge existed.
Previous to Deuteronomy the Altar was a refuge place but with the centralization of the Temple set up, an alternative was required.
So we find that these cities of refuge were the same cities where the priests or Levites lived. Possibly that those who needed refuge would have council of the priests to help them. Imagine that killing someone by accident would most likely result in terrible issues of guilt and remorse by the person who was responsible for the accident. They would need help in more ways that just to escape from the possibility of 'blood revenge'.
The Book of Joshua addresses the details of setting up the cities of refuge further.
Places of refuge exist today as well. One example is a National Park in Hawaii. About 20 years ago in El Salvador there were sanctuary congregations.
Relevant Book: Book about the French city of refuge during WWII
Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed -- by Philip P. Hallie
This portion contains much of the basis for a complex legal system defining 'manslaughter' as different from murder. Addressing differences in punishment.
posted by Chavarah @ 8:23 PM
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