In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "Avenger of Blood" is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of justice and retribution. This role is first implicitly introduced in the account of Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4. Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, becomes the first murderer when he kills his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. The Lord confronts Cain, saying, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This divine acknowledgment of Abel's blood crying out for justice sets the stage for the later formalization of the avenger of blood in Israelite law.

The avenger of blood, or "goel hadam" in Hebrew, was a family member responsible for avenging the death of a relative. This role was later codified in the Mosaic Law, where cities of refuge were established to protect those who committed manslaughter from the avenger until a fair trial could be conducted (Numbers 35:9-28). However, in the case of Cain, there were no such provisions, and his fear of retribution is palpable.

After God pronounces judgment on Cain, declaring him "a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth" (Genesis 4:12), Cain expresses his fear: "My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden. I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me" (Genesis 4:13-14). Cain's fear of being killed by others reflects an early understanding of the avenger of blood concept, even though it had not yet been formally established.

In response to Cain's fear, the Lord provides a measure of protection, saying, "Not so! If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold" (Genesis 4:15). God places a mark on Cain to prevent others from killing him, thus averting the cycle of blood vengeance. This divine intervention underscores the sanctity of life and God's sovereignty over justice, even in the absence of human legal structures.

Cain's fear and God's response highlight the tension between human justice and divine mercy. While the avenger of blood would later become an integral part of Israelite society, ensuring that justice was served, the account of Cain and Abel serves as a reminder of the complexities of justice and the need for divine guidance in human affairs.Genesis 4:14,15
Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from your face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that finds me shall slay me.
Nave's Topical Index

The Growth and Power of Sin
... able to shut out thoughts of Him, and seeing an avenger in every ... No doubt, the story
of the preservation of Cain was meant to restrain the blood-feuds so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... to the city of refuge, when the avenger of blood ... heartedness of Christ, the merits
of His blood, the freeness of ... It made Cain stark mad to consider that he had ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... Joshua, concerning the man that was to flee to the city of refuge, when the avenger
of blood was hard ... Methinks to fall short at last, O, it fears me greatly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... heavenly calling; that word came in upon me: I will cleanse their blood, that I ... While
I was thus afflicted with the fears of my own damnation, there were two ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... of my great sins, of my great temptations, and of my great fears of perishing ... the
land.[6] Wherefore I have not here, as others, to boast of noble blood, or of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Cain, misery of, [675]345; consciousness of his sin and ... 702]350; left us His flesh
and blood, [703]354 ... than man ever is, [1215]473; our Avenger, and despised ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... his appearing be never so terrible, is to allay their fears and perplexities ... the
death due thereto; that he is sensible that the avenger of blood pursues him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... it will put on patience as a vestment, it will wade through a sea of blood, it will ...
so it is with saints; we are a great deal more subject to fears in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him ... awakened
about his lost condition, there ariseth in his soul many fears, and doubts ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... be more miserable than the condition of Cain, who dealt ... were converted into the nature
of blood; and the ... command, and overcome fear of the avenger, and yet ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

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