Treasury of Scripture
ye shall appoint. As the goel, or kinsman, had a right to avenge the death of his relation, by slaying the murderer wherever he found him, the appointment of these cities was a humane institution for the protection of the involuntary homicide; for they were designed only for the protection of such.
Numbers 35:6 And among the cities which you shall give to the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which you shall appoint for the manslayer...
Joshua 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spoke to you by the hand of Moses:
unawares. Heb. by error
Numbers 35:22,23 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast on him any thing without laying of wait...
Exodus 21:13 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee.
Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbor unawares, and hated him not in times past...
Deuteronomy 19:4,5 And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoever kills his neighbor ignorantly...