Cities of Refuge in the Land of Canaan

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Questions and Answers

What were the cities of refuge designated for?

They were designated as cities of refuge for individuals who killed someone unintentionally.

Why does a murderer who killed unintentionally need to flee to a city of refuge?

The killer needs to flee to avoid potential revenge from the victim's family or friends.

What is the significance of the concept of unintentional killing and fleeing to a city of refuge?

It emphasizes the idea that even unintentional actions have consequences.

How does the establishment of cities of refuge relate to public safety?

The cities of refuge contribute to public safety by preventing potential acts of revenge or vigilantism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mishnah's perspective on accidental killing?

The Mishnah acknowledges the complexity of accidental killing and provides guidelines for dealing with such situations. Signup and view all the answers

Give three examples when a person is liable to run to a city of refuge according to the Mishnah.

<ol> <li>If a roller falls down and kills somebody while being pushed. 2. If a barrel falls down and kills somebody while being lowered. 3. If someone falls down a ladder and accidentally kills another person.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Give three examples of when a person does not have to run to a city of refuge, even though someone has been killed.

<ol> <li>If a roller falls back and kills somebody while being pulled up. 2. If a barrel falls down due to a snapped rope while being raised. 3. If someone falls down a ladder and accidentally kills another person.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the cases that require running to a city of refuge and those that do not?

The difference lies in whether the death occurred during a downward movement or not. If the death was caused by a downward movement, exile is necessary; if not, exile is not required. Signup and view all the answers

Why does someone who throws a rock and kills someone in their own courtyard not have to run to a city of refuge while the same action in a public area would mean the killer has to run there?

If the victim in the private property case was a trespasser without permission, the thrower is not liable for exile. However, in a public area, causing accidental death leads to exile. Signup and view all the answers

In the Torah, what action triggers the need for someone to flee to a city of refuge?

Accidentally causing someone's death. Signup and view all the answers

What example does the Torah give to illustrate the need for a city of refuge?

Two people chopping wood, where the axe head flies off and kills one of them. Signup and view all the answers

What could the killer have done to avoid running to a city of refuge?

Taking more care with their actions, like securing the tools properly. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Mishnah, what actions would lead to the killer being exempt from fleeing to a city of refuge?

If the killing was not due to negligence or lack of care. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Context of Cities of Refuge

In the biblical era, cities of refuge were designated for individuals who had committed accidental murder (killing someone unintentionally)
The purpose of these cities was to provide a safe haven for the killer, protecting them from the victim's relatives who might seek revenge

Conditions for Accidental Murder

Accidental killing occurs when a person's action leads to an unintended death, but the action was still negligent or careless
Example: a person dropping a hammer while working on a ladder, killing someone below, demonstrates a lack of care and attention
The killer's actions, although unintentional, still lead to the death of another person

Cities of Refuge

In the cities of refuge, the killer would be protected from the victim's relatives seeking revenge
The killer would stay in the city until the death of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol), at which point they could return home

Examples of Accidental Murder

A person chopping wood with an axe, and the axe head flies off, killing someone (Devarim 19:5)
A person throwing a rock into a public area and it kills someone (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)
A person lowering a barrel, and it falls and kills someone (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)

Principles of Accidental Murder

The Mishnah outlines the principle that if a death occurs due to an action involving a downward movement, the killer is liable to be sent to a city of refuge (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)
Conversely, if the death occurs due to an action involving an upward movement, the killer is not liable to be sent to a city of refuge (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)

###Throwing a Rock into a Public Area

If someone throws a rock into a public area and it kills someone, they are liable to be sent to a city of refuge (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)
However, if the same action occurs in a private courtyard, and the victim was not authorized to be there, the killer is not liable to be sent to a city of refuge (Mishnah Makkot 2:2)

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Description

Learn about the cities of refuge designated for the children of Israel as they entered the land of Canaan, providing a safe haven for those who unintentionally committed murder. Explore the significance and laws related to these cities.