Thought from today’s Bible reading from Numbers 35-36.
The cities of refuge were given as a provision in case anyone killed another man unintentionally (Numbers 35:6-28). If this happened, the one who took the life of his neighbor could flee to one of the cities of refuge to escape the slain man’s avenger. While there, the manslayer would be safe until he stood trial. If he was found to be not guilty of murder, he would remain safe if he remained within the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only then could he leave and return to his home.
After these rules were given, the Lord was explicitly clear that these rules would apply to all the people.
“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death. You shall not take ransom for him who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to live in the land before the death of the priest” (Numbers 35:30-32).
One who was guilty of murder would be put to death. But there had to be at least two witnesses to confirm his guilt. This was just.
But this justice was equal for all. If one was guilty of murder, no ransom could be paid to free him from this punishment. If one was not guilty, no ransom could be given that would allow him to leave the city of refuge and return to his home prior to the death of the high priest. This means that the rich, or those with connections to wealthy individuals, would not have an advantage over others.
In our society, those with riches, power, or connections to the right people will often either avoid punishment for their crimes or will face a much more lenient sentence than others who committed similar acts. Under God’s law, this would not happen. All men were equal. All men were to be treated the same. Judgments and punishments, if they are not equally applied to all men, do not qualify as justice.
Tomorrow’s reading: Deuteronomy 1-2
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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