Protecting the innocent

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means. Let's see where this takes us! 

Joshua 20

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

The cities of refuge are for those who accidentally killed another but may be pursued by those seeking revenge.

In both translations I found Johsua 20:6 confusing: "The slayer shall remain in that city until there is a trial before the congregation, until the death of the one who is high priest at the time; then the slayer may return home, to the town in which the deed was done.”

Does this mean the slayer will remain in the city until there is a trial OR until the chief priest has died, whatever comes first? Or that there can't be a trial until there's a new chief priest?

Does it mean the chief priest of all of Israel must travel to and preside over every trial personally?

I don't know if this chapter sets up a story in which a "city of refuge" is needed, or if this is an example of the underlying fairness and justice of God's law.

A law that says the innocent should be protected.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.

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