Definition: Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 35:11. It’s a pretty serious and important passage about protecting people and establishing safe places. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special responsibility for certain cities – essentially, they are designated as safe havens where people can feel secure and protected from harm. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Numbers 35:11” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. “Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you…” : This means these cities are chosen and given a special role – they will be places where people can feel safe and protected. Think of it like choosing a neighborhood to be a good place to live. “…that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.” : This is the most important part! This speaks about protecting people from being harmed – specifically, from being killed without warning. What does this mean practically? It's a responsibility: The leaders of these cities have a duty to watch over and protect their people. A safe place: These cities are designed to be places where people can feel secure and free from fear. Avoiding violence: The verse emphasizes that the goal is to prevent harm – to keep people alive and unharmed. Context & Significance: This verse appears in the Book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It’s a reminder of God's care for his people and His desire to protect them from danger. It speaks to a time when the Israelites needed a place to find peace and security. In essence, this verse is about establishing places where people can live safely and feel protected from violence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Explore what it might have meant in the original ancient world?