Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'the revenger of blood' mean in Numbers 35:19?
A: The 'revenger of blood' (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם) refers to a close relative of a murder victim who has the responsibility to pursue justice for the killing. According to Jewish law (Halacha), this does not mean taking personal revenge, but ensuring the murderer is brought to justice through the proper legal system (Rambam, Hilchot Rotzeach 1:7).
Q: Why does the Torah allow the 'revenger of blood' to kill the murderer?
A: The Torah permits the 'revenger of blood' to act only in cases where the murderer intentionally killed someone and fled to a city of refuge. This was part of the ancient justice system to prevent vigilante justice while ensuring accountability. The Sanhedrin (Jewish court) would first determine guilt before any action was taken (Talmud Makkot 10b).
Q: Does the law of the 'revenger of blood' still apply today?
A: No, the laws of the 'revenger of blood' and cities of refuge are not applicable today because we no longer have the Sanhedrin (the supreme Jewish court) to properly adjudicate capital cases. Today, all legal matters, including murder, are handled by secular courts (Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin 14:11-12).
Q: What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Jewish law?
A: In Jewish law, murder (רצח) is intentional killing, punishable by death if proven in court. Manslaughter (שגגה) is accidental killing, where the perpetrator must flee to a city of refuge for protection. Numbers 35 distinguishes between the two, and the 'revenger of blood' only applies to intentional murder (Rashi on Numbers 35:11-12).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the concept of the 'revenger of blood'?
A: This law teaches the gravity of taking a human life and the Torah's emphasis on justice. It shows that society must have systems to prevent bloodshed and hold murderers accountable, but also ensures that justice is carried out fairly—not through personal vengeance (Midrash Tanchuma, Mas'ei 10).
Understanding the Role of the Go'el Hadam
The verse (Numbers 35:19) discusses the role of the go'el hadam (the blood avenger), who is responsible for executing justice upon a murderer. According to Rashi, this refers to the closest relative of the victim, who is obligated to avenge the wrongful death. The Torah permits this act only in cases of intentional murder, as clarified in the surrounding verses (35:16-21). The go'el hadam serves as an agent of divine justice, ensuring that the murderer does not evade punishment.
Conditions for the Go'el Hadam's Action
Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates in Hilchot Rotzeach U'Shmirat Nefesh (Laws of Murderers and the Protection of Life) that the go'el hadam may only act if the murderer is convicted by a proper beit din (Jewish court) and is found guilty of intentional killing. The phrase "בְּפִגְעוֹ־בוֹ" ("when he meets him") implies that the execution must occur outside a city of refuge, where the murderer has no protection. The Talmud (Makkot 10b) further clarifies that if the murderer reaches a city of refuge, the go'el hadam may not harm him there.
Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter
The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 161) emphasizes that this law applies strictly to a rotzeach (intentional murderer), not to one who kills unintentionally. The latter is granted asylum in a city of refuge (Numbers 35:11-12). The severity of the go'el hadam's role underscores the Torah's value for human life and the gravity of taking it unlawfully.
Moral and Legal Implications