Numbers 35:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If a person commits an unintentional act of killing, the law mandates that he be punished with banishment for life, while tempering this punishment with compassion and wisely distinguishing between unintentional and intentional wrongdoings. He instructed the establishment of three cities designated as places of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:41ff); these serve as sanctuaries for those seeking safety from unintentional actions. Furthermore, there is a time of grace, even for those in such dire circumstances, specifically marked by the death of the high priest.

The Scriptures teach that ignorance should also be seen as a transgression, which is why Job made offerings for his children, so they might not unknowingly sin in their thoughts. Furthermore, when an individual fells a tree, if the iron from the axe accidentally slips and causes the death of someone, he is instructed to flee to a city of refuge, where he must reside until the high priest passes away. This signifies being redeemed through the precious blood of the Savior via the sacrament of baptism, or through sincere repentance, which is graciously viewed as akin to the grace found in baptism. For the Lord does not wish for anyone's destruction, nor does He take pleasure in the demise of sinners; rather, He desires their turning back to Him and their ultimate salvation.

He escapes like Lot, distancing himself from his sins, forsaking the ways of his neighbors, never glancing back, and entering that exalted city through the gateway of his thoughts. He remains there until the High Priest who bore the sins of the world has passed away. He died once, yet He continues to die within each of us who have been united in the death of Christ, so that we may be buried alongside Him, resurrected with Him, and dwell in His renewed life.

What is the significance of the slayer returning to his homeland upon the High Priest's death, if not to illustrate that humanity, which has brought death upon itself through transgression, is liberated from the shackles of sin after the passing of the true Priest, our Savior? This liberation allows them to be ready once more for inheritance in paradise.