Involuntary manslaughter is a term that is not used in the Bible and manslaughter is different than murder.  Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malicious forethought.  Manslaughter is also understood as the unlawful killing of another human being that occurs when a person kills another, but without intent or malice.  In other words, the killing must have been without prior thought to do harm.  Manslaughter is considered a less culpable crime than murder in most states.

               Under Mosaic Law, murder was punishable by death.  Exodus 21:14 says, “But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.”  When the Ten Commandments said, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exo. 20:13), it literally meant thou shalt not murder.  Cain murdered Abel (cf. Gen. 4:1-8).  Cain’s type of murder is known specifically as fratricide.  Absalom, King David’s son, also committed fratricide (cf. II Sam. 13:28-29).  King David murdered Uriah (cf. II Sam. 11:14-17).  Herod murdered the innocents (cf. Matt. 2:16-17).  Herod’s type of murder is known specifically as infanticide.  Judas Iscariot murdered himself (cf. Matt. 27:3-6).  Judas’ self-murder is specifically called suicide.  These examples were all forbidden in the Old Testament and they all have in common malice, premeditation and calculation.

               There were, however, fatalities in the Old Testament that were not premeditated and did not qualify as homicide or murder.  These were cases of involuntary manslaughter.  Note the specific difference that Deuteronomy 4:41-42 offers:

God foresaw that cases of manslaughter would exist in the Old Testament and so a provision was made for the perpetrator in such cases to flee to designated cities of refuge where he/she could find asylum until their case was heard.  This would spare the suspect from the impetuous wrath of the victim’s family.  God stated that six cities were appointed as “cities of refuge . . . for the manslayer, that he may flee thither (Numbers 35:6).”

Specific instructions were given in the Law of Moses regarding the operation of these special cities:

• There were to be six cities of refuge (Num. 35:6, 13).
• The commandment originated with Moses, but was ratified by Joshua (Josh. 20:2).
• The cities were Kadesh, Shechem, Hebron, Golan, Ramoth and Bezer (Josh. 20:7-8).
• The cities of refuge were to be designated after they had crossed over Jordan into the land of Canaan (Num. 35:10-11a).
• The cities were divided by the Jordan River; three on each side (Num. 35:14).
• The cities were places of asylum to protect perpetrators of manslaughter from the vengeful rage of the victim’s families (Num. 35:12: Josh. 20:3).
• The roads leading to the six cities were well maintained to ensure a smooth passage for fugitives.  Additionally, clearly marked signposts were found at crossroads which read Miklat meaning “Refuge.”
• Those who were eligible for asylum were Israelites, strangers and sojourners (Num. 35:15: Josh. 20:9).
• The suspected killer was to make his/her case to the elders of the city at the gate and if deemed worthy of an official hearing, was housed inside the city (Josh. 20:4-6).
• If someone was found guilty of murder in the mouth of two or three witnesses, they received the death penalty and were to be executed by the revenger of blood himself (Num. 35:16-21).
• The borders of the cities of refuge were marked and guarded (Num. 35:26).
• Any suspect who crossed the exit borders of the cities of refuge and was caught by the victim’s family could be killed immediately by the victim’s family (Num. 35:26-28).
• The suspect was permitted to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the High Priest who was administrating when he/she fled there (Num. 35:32: Josh. 20:6).

The Old Testament concept of cities of refuge reflects the genius of God’s Law.  The substance of this ancient teaching casts a long shadow into New Testament redemption.  The involvement of the priests in the trial of a person accused of murder reveals to us in the New Testament that our Great High Priest takes on that responsibility.  Remember, there were many priests, there were much fewer high priests, but there is only one Great High Priest and that is Jesus Christ.  Notice what Hebrews 4:13-16 says:

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Interestingly, we are guilty of Christ’s death, though we never met Him personally or raised a single weapon against Him deliberately or negligently.  It is a type of manslaughter that we must face trial for.  Nevertheless, the victim is also our Priest, our Advocate and our Judge all in one.  The writer of Hebrews also added:

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

How long can I stay in God’s city of refuge?  If the administrating priest who was in office when I fled there is still alive, I can stay.  I have great news for you – our Great High Priest will never die, so you will never be prosecuted for the death of God’s Son.  We call this eternal security, and it is based on the perpetual life of Christ our Lord.  As long as He lives, we are innocent. Most Old Testament concepts are what we might call types and shadows, and many of them represent Christ.  The cities of refuge are a beautiful representation of the work of our Lord in His New Testament redemption of souls.  For example, note the asylum of the cities.  A man or woman could flee there for safety and refuge.  Note the accessibility of the cities.  There were six cities strategically placed so that no one would be in peril of being isolated from their safety.  Note the availability of the cities.  Not only were Jews permitted, but strangers and sojourners.  Note the assurance of the cities.  One was permitted to remain if the High Priest was living.  Note the accountability of the cities.  The innocent found safety, but the guilty were judged by the Law’s demands.

Dr. Brad Bailey is a husband, father, grandfather, author, pastor and host of the Cherishing Scripture Radio Ministry