Definition: The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 35:19. It’s a pretty serious and powerful statement about justice! Here's a simple explanation: Essentially, it means: God is the ultimate judge of wrongs and will punish those who commit violence. Let’s unpack it a little further: “Numbers 35” : This refers to the Book of Numbers in the Bible – it’s a story about the Israelites wandering in the desert after being released from slavery in Egypt. “The revenger of blood” : This is a metaphorical way of saying God is the one who will take action against those who commit violence and bloodshed. It's not just about physical attacks, but any act that causes harm or pain. “He shall slay him” : This is the core of the verse. It means God will directly confront and defeat the person who has committed a violent act. The Context – What’s Happening? This verse comes from a story about a man named Absalom, who killed his brother, Joseph. God, in response to this act of violence, decides to take action. He chooses to punish Absalom by having God Himself (represented by the "revenger of blood") come and kill him. Important Note: This is a very dramatic and symbolic verse. It's not meant to be taken literally about every single violent act in history. It’s a powerful reminder that justice will ultimately be served, and that those who commit evil deeds will face consequences. In short, it's a promise of divine retribution for violence. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or want me to explain it in a different way? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the story behind it? Discuss the concept of "vengeance" within the context of faith?