Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the LORD said to Moses: New Living Translation The LORD said to Moses, English Standard Version And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Berean Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Moses, King James Bible And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, New King James Version Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, New American Standard Bible Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, NASB 1995 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, NASB 1977 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, Amplified Bible Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Christian Standard Bible The LORD said to Moses, Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD said to Moses, “ American Standard Version And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Contemporary English Version The LORD then told Moses English Revised Version And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD said to Moses, Good News Translation The LORD told Moses International Standard Version Then the LORD told Moses, NET Bible Then the LORD spoke to Moses: New Heart English Bible The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the LORD said to Moses, World English Bible Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH speaks to Moses, saying, Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will speak to Moses, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Lord said to Moses: Catholic Public Domain Version The Lord said to Moses: New American Bible The LORD spoke to Moses: New Revised Standard Version The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH spoke with Moshe and said to him: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge…8The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” 9Then the LORD said to Moses, 10“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,… Cross References Joshua 20:1-9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ... Deuteronomy 19:1-13 When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ... Exodus 21:12-14 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. Acts 7:29 At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. 1 Kings 2:28-34 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... Leviticus 24:17 And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. Romans 13:4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. 2 Samuel 14:14 For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. Psalm 59:1-2 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. Isaiah 4:6 a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain. Ezekiel 18:10-13 Now suppose that man has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these things, / though the father has done none of them: Indeed, the son eats at the mountain and defiles his neighbor’s wife. / He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations. ... Treasury of Scripture And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Jump to Previous Moses SpeakethJump to Next Moses SpeakethNumbers 35 1. Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof6. Six of them are to be cities of refuge 9. The laws of murder and manslaughter 31. No satisfaction for murder Divine Communication: This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch where God provides guidance and commandments to His chosen leader. It underscores the authority and divine origin of the instructions that follow. Moses as Mediator: Historical Context: Covenantal Relationship: Connection to Other Scripture: Prophetic Insight: Cultural Context: Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is speaking to Moses. This highlights the divine authority and the importance of the instructions that follow. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. Moses serves as the mediator between God and the Israelites. 3. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who are receiving instructions for living in the Promised Land. They are the audience of the laws and regulations being given. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It is the destination of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. 5. Cities of Refuge Although not mentioned directly in verse 9, the context of Numbers 35 includes the establishment of cities of refuge, which are places where individuals who have committed unintentional manslaughter can seek asylum. Teaching Points Divine AuthorityRecognize that the instructions given to Moses come directly from God, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in establishing justice. Justice and Mercy The concept of cities of refuge illustrates the balance between justice and mercy, showing God's provision for both the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty. Community Responsibility The establishment of cities of refuge highlights the responsibility of the community to uphold God's laws and provide for the safety and justice of all its members. God's Provision The cities of refuge are a testament to God's provision for His people, ensuring that even in cases of accidental harm, there is a place of safety and a system for fair trial. Mediation and Leadership Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding people according to divine principles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:9?2. How does Numbers 35:9 emphasize the importance of justice in God's law? 3. What role do cities of refuge play in God's plan for justice and mercy? 4. How can we apply the concept of refuge in our modern justice systems? 5. How does Numbers 35:9 connect with Jesus as our ultimate refuge and protector? 6. In what ways can believers today offer refuge to those seeking forgiveness? 7. What is the significance of cities of refuge in Numbers 35:9-15 for justice and mercy? 8. How does Numbers 35:9-15 reflect God's view on accidental versus intentional sin? 9. Why were the cities of refuge necessary in ancient Israelite society according to Numbers 35:9-15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35? 11. Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9–15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice? 12. Who were the believers in the Old Testament? 13. How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1–6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice? 14. Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place? What Does Numbers 35:9 Mean Then• “Then” signals continuation. God had just detailed how the Levites were to receive forty-eight towns, including six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:1-8). • It reminds us that divine guidance comes in orderly sequence; each word builds on the last (Isaiah 28:10). • The timing roots this verse in literal history, following Israel’s encampment “by the Jordan across from Jericho” (Numbers 35:1), underscoring that God’s plan unfolds in real places at specific moments. the LORD • The personal name “the LORD” (YHWH) points to the covenant-keeping God who redeemed Israel (Exodus 6:2-8). • He alone possesses the authority to legislate matters of life and justice, such as the forthcoming laws on cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 32:4). • His unchanging character guarantees that every directive is righteous and trustworthy (Malachi 3:6). said • God speaks; He is not silent (Psalm 50:1). • Revelation comes by verbal communication, showing Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). • The speech act initiates moral obligation—when God speaks, obedience is the only faithful response (James 1:22-25). to Moses • Moses serves as mediator and prophet, uniquely “whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). • Through Moses, the Law is delivered (John 1:17), ensuring the people receive God’s word without distortion (Hebrews 3:5). • The directive will equip Israel to handle manslaughter and avenge blood justly, guarding the community from both chaos and vengeance (Numbers 35:10-34). summary Numbers 35:9 marks a deliberate, historic moment: the covenant LORD, perfectly righteous and faithful, speaks further instruction through His chosen mediator, Moses. By doing so He advances His orderly plan for Israel’s life in the land, emphasizing that every word of Scripture is purposeful, authoritative, and to be obeyed. Hebrew Then the LORDיְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH said וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Moses, מֹשֶׁ֥ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver Links Numbers 35:9 NIVNumbers 35:9 NLT Numbers 35:9 ESV Numbers 35:9 NASB Numbers 35:9 KJV Numbers 35:9 BibleApps.com Numbers 35:9 Biblia Paralela Numbers 35:9 Chinese Bible Numbers 35:9 French Bible Numbers 35:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 35:9 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Nu Num.) |