יהושע, פרק כ׳, פסוק א׳

Following the completion of the division of the land among the tribes, God issues a critical instruction to Joshua and the Israelites. They are commanded to designate cities of refuge, which serve as safe havens for anyone who commits unintentional manslaughter, offering them vital protection from the vengeance of a blood avenger [אברבנאל].

God communicates this instruction with a remarkably firm and strong tone, a departure from the gentler manner of speaking found throughout the rest of the events of this time. This harshness is intentional. It serves to emphasize that the establishment of these cities and the proper handling of those who kill are fundamental Commandments that require strict and unwavering observance [מנחת שי].

The procedure for seeking asylum is immediate and specific. Right after a fatal incident, the person who caused the death must flee to one of these designated cities, stand at the city gates, and recount what happened. The residents of the city are required to take him in and shield him from the pursuing blood avenger immediately, even before they have the opportunity to verify whether his story is true and the killing was genuinely an accident.

The individual's time within the city of refuge is defined by two specific boundaries. The first involves a formal trial. If the blood avenger accuses the refugee of intentional murder, the accused must stand trial before the assembly. If the court determines the act was deliberate, he faces the penalty for murder. However, if the court confirms the act was accidental and requires exile, he is returned to the safety of the city of refuge. The second boundary marks the end of his required stay, which concludes only upon the death of the High Priest who is serving during that time [אברבנאל].