Episode Details

In Episode 279, Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction in Numbers 35:19 between God's command, "You shall not murder," and His authorization of the avenger of blood to execute a convicted murderer.

He explains the biblical distinction between unlawful murder and lawful capital punishment, explores the purpose of the cities of refuge, and shows how God's law balanced justice with mercy through careful safeguards and due process.

Finally, Lance demonstrates how the cities of refuge point forward to Christ as our ultimate refuge and how the New Testament continues to affirm both God's justice and His mercy through the teachings of Jesus and the role of governing authorities.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. “Numbers 35 Commentary.” Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-35/
3. Janković, S. “The Rationale Behind the Homicide Law in Numbers 35:30–34.” Andrews University. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=papers
4. “The Cities of Refuge Law in Numbers 35:9-34: A Study of Its Sources.” University of Haifa. https://cris.haifa.ac.il/en/publications/the-cities-of-refuge-law-in-numbers-35934-a-study-of-its-sources-/
5. “The Good News of the Death Penalty.” Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-good-news-of-the-death-penalty
6. Jackson, James. “Day 069: Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35).” https://jamesjackson.blog/2025/03/10/day-069-a-shelter-and-a-savior-numbers-35-36/
7. Garrett, Charlie. “Numbers 35:9-21 (A Place of Refuge).” Superior Word. https://superiorword.org/numbers-35-9-21-a-place-of-refuge/
8. “Avenger of Blood.” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/avenger-of-blood.html