Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 35:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 35:21 KJV
The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible written by Moses. Numbers mainly deals with the Israelites‘ journey through the wilderness. It covers their trials, failures, victories, and laws God gave to them.
In Numbers 35, God gives instructions about cities of refuge. These were places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety. The idea was to protect the person from revenge until a fair trial could be held.
In ancient Israel, it was common for a family member, called the “avenger of blood,” to seek justice by killing the person who caused their loved one’s death. However, God made a way to prevent rash decisions and unfair killings. The cities of refuge gave the accused a chance to explain and prove whether the killing was accidental or intentional.
Numbers 35:21 falls into this larger context. It is part of the rules God set for judging whether a killing was murder or manslaughter.
Numbers 35:21 (KJV)
“Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.”
Numbers 35:21 Meaning
This verse focuses on intentional murder. Let’s break it down into simple parts:
- “In enmity” means out of hatred or anger.
- “Smite him with his hand” means to hit him hard enough to cause death.
- “He that smote him shall surely be put to death” means the killer deserves capital punishment.
- “For he is a murderer” clearly defines the action as murder, not an accident.
- “The revenger of blood shall slay the murderer” means the family member had the legal right to execute the killer.
In short, Numbers 35:21 teaches that if someone kills another person out of hatred, it is considered murder. The guilty person should be put to death. God was establishing clear justice among the Israelites.
This law shows the seriousness of taking a life on purpose. It stresses that human life is sacred and should not be taken lightly. It also points to the importance of fairness in judgment. Not every death was treated the same way; the motive mattered.
Numbers 35:21 Application in Life
Even though we live under a different legal system today, Numbers 35:21 still holds important lessons for us.
1. The Value of Human Life
God’s command here shows how much He values human life. We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, harming another person is not just a crime against them but also against God.
In our lives today, we should respect and protect life. We should treat others with kindness and love, not hatred. We must remember that every person matters to God.
2. The Danger of Hatred
Hatred is dangerous. In Numbers 35:21, hatred led to murder. Jesus also taught that hatred in the heart is as serious as murder (Matthew 5:21-22).
We must guard our hearts against anger and bitterness. We should forgive others quickly and seek peace. Holding onto anger can lead us to actions we will later regret.
3. The Importance of Justice
God set up a system to ensure that justice was done fairly. He did not allow people to act purely out of emotion. A fair trial was required to determine guilt.
In our lives, we must also value justice. We should not rush to judge others. We should seek truth and fairness in our dealings with people.
When we see injustice, we should speak up. Micah 6:8 tells us that God requires us “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
4. Recognizing Our Own Sin
Numbers 35:21 reminds us that hatred and violence are serious sins. We might think, “I have never killed anyone.” But have we hated? Have we wished harm on someone?
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We all need forgiveness.
The good news is that Jesus offers that forgiveness. Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to be clean and free from guilt.
5. Showing Mercy and Forgiveness
While Numbers 35:21 deals with justice, the Bible as a whole also calls us to mercy.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He showed mercy to sinners and calls us to do the same.
In situations where we are wronged, we should seek forgiveness and reconciliation, not revenge.
6. Understanding God’s Character
Through Numbers 35:21, we see that God is both just and merciful. He cares about right and wrong. He also provides ways for repentance and restoration.
This helps us trust God more. We know that He will make all things right. We can rely on His perfect judgment.
Conclusion
Numbers 35:21 teaches us many important lessons about justice, human life, hatred, and God’s character. The verse shows that intentional murder is a serious crime deserving the death penalty in ancient Israel. It also reminds us that hatred in our hearts is dangerous and leads to destruction. Jesus Christ fulfills the justice and mercy of God perfectly. When we believe in Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins and a new heart that loves instead of hates. May we live lives that reflect God’s love, mercy, and justice every day.
Let us always remember the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s grace. As we do, we will honor God in how we treat others and how we live our lives.
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