1. While the people of Israel were still camped in the lowlands of Moab across the River Jordan from Jericho, the Lord told Moses
2. to say to them:When you receive your tribal lands, you must give towns and pastures to the Levi tribe.
10. to tell the people of Israel:After you have crossed the River Jordan and are settled in Canaan,
11. choose Safe Towns, where a person who has accidentally killed someone can run for protection.
12. If the victim's relatives think it was murder, they might try to take revenge. Anyone accused of murder can run to one of these Safe Towns for protection and not be killed before a trial is held.
13. There are to be six of these Safe Towns,
14. three on each side of the River Jordan.
15. They will be places of protection for anyone who lives in Israel and accidentally kills someone.
16-18. Suppose you hit someone with a piece of iron or a large stone or a dangerous wooden tool. If that person dies, then you are a murderer and must be put to death
19. by one of the victim's relatives. He will take revenge for his relative's death as soon as he finds you.
20-21. Or suppose you get angry and kill someone by pushing or hitting or by throwing something. You are a murderer and must be put to death by one of the victim's relatives.