יהושע, פרק כ׳, פסוק ג׳

The system of cities of refuge was established to halt devastating cycles of bloodshed, offering immediate shelter to an individual who caused a death entirely by accident. This practical implementation of the network adds crucial details to the Commandment that were not explicitly outlined in earlier laws [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A person in this situation must run to safety to escape the victim's relative, known as the blood avenger [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This relative is often driven by a desire for revenge, viewing retaliation as a way to redeem the deceased [מצודת ציון]. The designated city acts as a protective shield, absorbing the killer and keeping him safe from the avenger's immediate, heated anger [מצודת דוד].

The requirement for the act to be completely accidental is emphasized through a dual legal definition, which merges two separate conditions found earlier in the Torah. This precision ensures that only those who act without any malice benefit from the sanctuary. It specifically excludes a deliberate murderer, who has no right to this protection, as well as a person who fully intended to commit murder but accidentally struck the wrong target [מלבי״ם].

The operation of these cities follows several unique rules. All six designated locations, whether situated across the Jordan River or within the Land of Israel, are available equally to anyone, regardless of their permanent residence. In the rare event that an accidental death occurs within a city of refuge itself, the location still provides protection, though the person must undergo a minor exile by relocating from one neighborhood to another. Finally, a fundamental legal condition dictates that none of these locations can operate as a valid sanctuary until all six cities are officially established and designated together. Even the initial three cities previously set aside by Moses could not function as active refuges until the entire network was complete [חומת אנך].