Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 35:14 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is full of instructions from God that are meant to teach us how to live, how to treat others, and how to understand His holy justice and mercy. Some verses may seem small or specific, but they carry deep meaning. One of these is Numbers 35:14.
This article will carefully explore Numbers 35:14 in the King James Version (KJV). We’ll look at the context in which the verse was written, explain the verse itself, reflect on its meaning, and share how it can be applied to everyday life.
The Context of Numbers 35:14 KJV
The Book of Numbers in the Old Testament
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Bible. It is part of the Torah, written by Moses. It covers the time when the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt and before entering the Promised Land.
By the time we reach chapter 35, the Israelites are camped near the Jordan River, preparing to enter the land that God had promised to them. Before entering, God gives Moses detailed instructions about dividing the land and establishing rules for living in their new home.
Chapter 35 – Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge
In Numbers 35, God tells Moses to assign certain cities to the tribe of Levi. These were to be 48 cities, scattered throughout the land of Israel. Out of these, six cities were to be known as cities of refuge.
The cities of refuge were extremely important. If someone accidentally killed another person, they could run to one of these cities for safety. This law protected people from revenge by the dead person’s family while a fair trial could be held.
Why Was This Necessary?
In ancient times, the “avenger of blood” was a person from the family of someone who had been killed. This person had the right to pursue and kill the person who caused the death. But not all deaths were murder. Some were accidents.
God wanted to prevent innocent people from being punished for accidents. So, He commanded the establishment of these special cities—safe places where people could flee until their case was decided. This law showed God’s concern for justice and mercy.
This is the background leading up to Numbers 35:14, which describes where these cities of refuge should be located.
Numbers 35:14 (KJV)
Let’s read the verse as written in the King James Version:“Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.” — Numbers 35:14 (KJV)
This verse is simple, but it is packed with meaning. It continues God’s instructions about the cities of refuge and gives specific directions about where they should be placed.
Numbers 35:14 Meaning
Dividing the Cities of Refuge
In this verse, God commands that the six cities of refuge be split equally between two sides:
Three cities on the east side of the Jordan River, where some of the tribes would settle.
Three cities in the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan River, which was the main territory of Israel.
This division was very intentional. God knew that the people would live on both sides of the Jordan. If all six cities had been in one area, people living far away might not be able to reach one in time. A person fleeing for safety needed to get there quickly, before the avenger of blood could find them.
By placing the cities strategically, God ensured that justice and mercy were available to everyone, no matter where they lived.
Equal Access to Refuge
This verse also teaches an important principle: God provides safety for all His people, not just a few. Whether someone lived on the east side of the Jordan or the west, they had access to a city of refuge. No one was left out.
This reflects God’s fairness and His desire that all people be treated justly, whether they were rich or poor, close or far, from a big tribe or a small one.
God’s Attention to Detail
We see in this verse that God pays attention to details. He doesn’t just say, “Build some safe cities.” He gives exact instructions—how many cities, and where to place them. God is not careless. His laws are based on wisdom, order, and love.
This helps us understand that every verse in the Bible, even one that seems like a small logistical instruction, has deep meaning and a purpose in God’s perfect plan.
Numbers 35:14 Application in Life
1. God Provides Refuge for All
Just as God made cities of refuge for all people in Israel, He still offers refuge today—through Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is our spiritual refuge. When we sin—whether knowingly or unknowingly—we can run to Him for forgiveness and safety.
Hebrews 6:18 says:“…who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”
This connects directly to the cities of refuge in Numbers. It shows that the Old Testament law was a foreshadowing of what Jesus would offer—grace, protection, and hope for all who come to Him.
2. Justice and Mercy Must Be Balanced
Numbers 35:14 reminds us that God does not want anyone to be punished unfairly. He wants us to be careful before judging others.
In our own lives, we must not rush to condemn people. Instead, we should seek to understand the situation. Did the person truly mean to do harm? Was it an accident? God’s justice is fair, but it is also full of mercy.
Jesus said in John 7:24:“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
This teaches us to be careful, wise, and loving when dealing with others.
3. God Cares About the Whole Community
By placing cities on both sides of the Jordan, God shows that no group is more important than another. He does not show favoritism. All tribes, all people, deserve access to His protection.
This means we should not ignore or neglect people who live “on the other side”—whether they’re from a different background, church, neighborhood, or nation. We are all part of God’s creation, and we must treat others with equality and fairness.
Galatians 3:28 reminds us:“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
4. God’s Laws Are Meant to Protect Life
The city of refuge was not a place of escape for criminals. It was a place of fairness. God’s laws are not meant to be harsh but to protect life and provide room for truth and justice.
Today, God’s commandments still guide us toward life, not death—toward peace, not destruction.
Psalm 19:7 says:“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
5. Jesus Is the Ultimate Refuge
In the Old Testament, the city of refuge could only protect someone physically. But in the New Testament, Jesus protects us spiritually and eternally.
He said in John 10:28:“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
When we run to Jesus, we are safe forever. No enemy, not even death, can take us from His hand.
Conclusion
This verse may seem like a simple direction about placing cities, but it teaches us powerful truths about God’s character, His justice, and His mercy.
God wanted everyone in Israel—on both sides of the Jordan River—to have access to safety and fairness. He carefully planned how to protect people from unjust punishment. He gave people a place to go when life took a terrible turn.
Let us learn from this verse to be people of mercy, justice, and grace. Let us make room in our hearts and communities for those who need protection and healing. And above all, let us run to Jesus, our eternal city of refuge, who saves us and holds us forever.
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