Justice, Inheritance, and God’s Faithfulness
Numbers 35–36 conclude the book of Numbers by addressing two key aspects of Israel’s inheritance: justice and land preservation. Numbers 35 establishes cities for the Levites and designates six cities of refuge. Numbers 36 deals with inheritance laws, ensuring that land given to each tribe remained within that tribe, preserving Israel’s God-given inheritance for future generations.
Numbers 35 provides specific instructions regarding the cities set aside for the Levites and the establishment of six cities of refuge. As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, the Levites were given a special place within the tribal structure. God instructed Moses to designate cities across the land for the Levites to live in. These cities would be their inheritance in place of territorial land (v. 1-2). The cities would be scattered throughout Israel and positioned strategically to ensure that spiritual guidance and priestly service were available to all of Israel, no matter where they lived.
In addition to the cities, God instructed that the Levites be given pasturelands surrounding each city. They were to have towns to live in and pasturelands for the cattle they owned and all their other animals. These pasturelands would extend 1,000 cubits (about 1,500 feet) from the city walls, and an additional 2,000 cubits (about 3,000 feet) in every direction (v. 5). The land was to be divided among the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe. They were to take many towns from tribes that had many but only a few from the smaller tribes (v. 8).
The total number of towns allocated to the tribe of Levi was 48, however, six of these would be set apart as cities of refuge, places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety (v. 6, 9-11). These cities of refuge ensured that justice was served fairly, while also preventing revenge killings before a proper trial could take place. In ancient times, the concept of blood vengeance was common—if a person was killed, their family had the right to avenge their death (v. 19). However, God established a system to distinguish between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter. Consequently, those who fled to a city of refuge could not be harmed until they stood trial before the assembly (v. 12). Three of these cities of refuge would be east of the Jordan and three to the west. Additionally, these laws applied not only to Israelites but also to foreigners and sojourners living among them, emphasizing God’s justice for all people (v. 14-15).
These verses show that God values justice and due process. Punishment was not based on revenge but on fair judgment. God provides mercy for the innocent, as those who killed unintentionally were protected from wrongful punishment. Just as these cities provided safety from death, Jesus is our ultimate refuge, offering protection from sin and judgment. The cities of refuge illustrate how we can turn to Christ for salvation and protection. When faced with mistakes or guilt, we should turn to the Lord and not try to handle it on our own. Seek Him as your place of safety and redemption.
To ensure fairness and justice, God established clear criteria for determining whether a death was murder or an accident. If a person used a weapon, a stone, or their hands with hatred or premeditation, they were guilty of murder. The punishment for murder was death, carried out by the nearest relative, called the “avenger of blood” (v. 16-21). No ransom or payment could excuse a murderer—justice had to be served (v. 31). If a person killed someone without hostility or intent, the crime carried a different sentence and the punishment a different set of regulations. In this case, the person had to flee to a city of refuge, where they would stand trial before the assembly (v. 22-25). This system ensured that innocent people were not wrongfully killed, while murderers still faced full justice.
God demands justice but also provides mercy and protection. Similarly, God calls us to seek truth and justice with mercy and wisdom. Before making judgments, take time to listen, seek truth, and extend grace where needed. Make a point to judge others fairly and not act out of anger and assumption.
If the congregation determined that the killing was unintentional, the accused was required to stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest (v. 28). This law creates a symbolic atonement, as the death of the high priest represents a cleansing of guilt, allowing the person to return home safely. However, if the accused left the city before the high priest’s death, the avenger of blood was allowed to kill them without being guilty of murder (v. 26-27).
Just as the death of the high priest set the accused free, Jesus’ sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). The cross satisfies both God’s justice and His mercy.
To prevent wrongful executions, God commands that no one can be put to death for murder on the testimony of just one witness—at least two or three witnesses must confirm the crime (v. 30). Additionally, no ransom or bribe is allowed to free a convicted murderer; they must be executed because murder defiles the land (v. 31-32). God further emphasizes that bloodshed pollutes the land, and the only way to cleanse the land is by properly carrying out justice (v. 33). Since God Himself dwells in the land, Israel must uphold His laws to maintain holiness and purity (v. 34). This reinforces the idea that human life is sacred, and unjust bloodshed must be dealt with according to divine justice.
Numbers 35 reveals God’s justice, mercy, and concern for holiness. By establishing cities of refuge, God provided a place of safety for those in need, just as Jesus provides spiritual refuge for sinners. Are you running to God as your refuge, trusting Him to guide you in justice and mercy? Numbers 35 challenges us to value life, pursue holiness, and take refuge in Christ—the ultimate High Priest who grants us freedom and forgiveness. Are you treating life as sacred and seeking justice in a godly way? In a world where life is often devalued, we must stand firm in God’s truth and righteousness. Pray for a heart that values life, seeks justice, and extends mercy. Ask God to help you reflect His righteousness in all you do
Numbers 36 concludes the Book of Numbers by addressing the issue of inheritance, particularly in light of the request made by the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27. This chapter clarifies how land inheritance is to be preserved within families and tribes to ensure that the land remains the rightful possession of God’s people.
The chapter begins by revisiting the concern of Zelophehad’s daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah), who had previously been granted the right to inherit their father’s land, as he had no sons (Numbers 27:1-11). Their request for inheritance had been upheld by God, but leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised a concern about the possibility of inheritance being transferred to another tribe if the daughters married outside their tribe. This would result in the land potentially being taken from the tribe of Manasseh and given to another tribe. God responds to this concern with a ruling that the daughters must marry within their own tribe to preserve the inheritance. This law ensured that land inheritance would stay within the tribe of Manasseh, preventing intertribal transfers of land and maintaining God’s covenant promises to each tribe (v. 1-9).
The chapter emphasizes that the daughters of Zelophehad obeyed God’s law and married men from the tribe of Manasseh, as instructed. This preserved their inheritance within their tribe, fulfilling God’s command and maintaining the integrity of Israel’s inheritance system (v. 10-12). By doing so, the daughters not only ensured that their inheritance was secure, but also demonstrated faithfulness to God’s laws.
The chapter concludes by noting that these laws regarding inheritance were for the Israelites in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River near Jericho (v. 13). This was the final piece of the law before Israel crossed into the Promised Land. It reaffirmed the importance of faithful stewardship of God’s promises and the need for each tribe to remain faithful to God’s laws as they entered the land.
The inheritance laws ensured that each tribe’s portion of the land remained secure and that God’s promises were fulfilled through obedience. By following God’s law, the daughters of Zelophehad preserved their inheritance and ensured that God’s covenant remained intact.
Israel’s inheritance was not only a gift but a responsibility to uphold God’s holiness and justice and preserve God’s promises. As believers, we have been given spiritual inheritance through Christ (Ephesians 1:11-14). We must steward it faithfully and live in obedience to His commands. Are you living in light of the inheritance God has given you? Consider how you are stewarding the spiritual inheritance God has given you. Are you living according to His laws, and how can you better share His promises with those around you?
Numbers 35-36 emphasize God’s concern for justice, mercy, and the faithful preservation of His promises. The cities of refuge reflect God’s heart for fairness and redemption, pointing forward to Christ as our ultimate refuge (Hebrews 6:18). The inheritance laws remind us that God’s blessings should be stewarded with wisdom and faithfulness to ensure they are not lost or squandered.
Throughout Israel’s journey from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land, God faithfully provided, disciplined, and guided His people, even in moments of rebellion and doubt. The Book of Numbers underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, reminding Israel that full obedience is essential to receiving His blessings. For believers today, we are reminded that God’s promises are secure, and we must live in obedience, trust in His guidance, and be faithful stewards of His blessings. Numbers challenges us to step forward in faith, claim God’s promises, and walk in obedience to live out His purpose for our lives.
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