Numbers 35:22-29

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²² “But if someone pushes another suddenly without enmity or hurls any object without lying in wait,^{(A) 23} or, while handling any stone that could cause death, unintentionally^[a] drops it on another and death ensues, though they were not enemies and no harm was intended, ²⁴ then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood, in accordance with these ordinances,^{(B) 25} and the congregation shall rescue the slayer from the avenger of blood. Then the congregation shall send the slayer back to the original city of refuge. The slayer shall live in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. ²⁶ But if the slayer shall at any time go outside the bounds of the original city of refuge ²⁷ and is found by the avenger of blood outside the bounds of the city of refuge and is killed by the avenger, no bloodguilt shall be incurred. ²⁸ For the slayer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, but after the death of the high priest the slayer may return to his property.

²⁹ “These things shall be a statute and ordinance for you throughout your generations wherever you live.