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The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death: when he meets him, he shall put him to death.

Verse Takeaways

1

Justice, Not Private Vengeance

Commentators clarify that the "avenger of blood" was not a vigilante acting on personal whim. Scholars like John Gill, citing ancient Jewish interpretations, explain that this execution would happen only after a formal trial had condemned the person as a murderer. The system was designed to ensure public justice was carried out, not to endorse private revenge.

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Numbers 35:16–25

18th Century

Theologian

The meaning is: Since taking another person’s life by any means whatever is murder and exposes the murderer to the penalty of retaliation, if the d…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Numbers 35:19

16th Century

Theologian

The revenger 55of blood himself.

When God commanded that murderers should suffer death, He required that they be condemn…

John Gill

John Gill

On Numbers 35:19

17th Century

Pastor

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer
Not only shall have power to do it, but, as it seems, should b…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Numbers 35:9–34

17th Century

Minister

To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide more effectively for the punishment of the murderer, the nearest relation of the deceased,…