Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Avenger of Blood" is rooted in the ancient Israelite legal system and is primarily associated with the laws concerning manslaughter and the cities of refuge. The Avenger of Blood, often a close relative of a person who was killed, had the responsibility to ensure justice by pursuing the killer. This role is deeply embedded in the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel as outlined in the Old Testament.Numbers 35:19-21 : "The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. If anyone maliciously pushes another or throws an object at him with malicious intent and he dies, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood is to kill the murderer when he finds him." This passage establishes the role of the Avenger of Blood in executing justice against a murderer. It underscores the principle of retributive justice, where the family of the victim has the right to seek the life of the murderer. Deuteronomy 19:11-12 : "But if someone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, attacks him, and strikes him fatally, and he flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city shall send for him, take him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood to die." Here, the text differentiates between accidental killing and premeditated murder. The Avenger of Blood is given the authority to act only in cases of intentional murder, emphasizing the importance of intent in the administration of justice. Joshua 20:3 : "so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." This verse introduces the concept of cities of refuge, which were established to protect those who committed manslaughter unintentionally. The cities provided a safe haven from the Avenger of Blood until a fair trial could be conducted. Joshua 20:9 : "These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and for any foreigner residing among them, so that anyone who killed another unintentionally could flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood trial before the assembly." The cities of refuge were accessible to both Israelites and foreigners, highlighting the provision of justice and mercy within the community. The Avenger of Blood was required to respect the legal process, allowing the accused to stand trial. 2 Samuel 14:11 : "Then she said, 'Please, may the king invoke the LORD your God, so that the avenger of blood will not add to the destruction, lest my son be destroyed.' 'As surely as the LORD lives,' he vowed, 'not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.'" This narrative illustrates the tension between justice and mercy. King David's intervention in the case of the Avenger of Blood reflects the possibility of royal clemency and the pursuit of reconciliation over retribution. The role of the Avenger of Blood is a significant aspect of the biblical justice system, reflecting the balance between justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. The laws surrounding this role were designed to prevent blood feuds and ensure that justice was served in a manner consistent with God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 9:5,6And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 35:19-29 Deuteronomy 19:4-13 Joshua 20:1-9 Library Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... Footnotes The Greater Prophets. City of God Memoir of John Bunyan Exposition of the Moral Law. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... The Mystery Resources What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org What is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org Avenger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |