Joe: Alright, so today we have Bible Expert here to discuss the chapter of Numbers 35. Let's dive right in. What's the general synopsis of this chapter?

Bible Expert: Well, Numbers 35 is all about providing cities of refuge for those who have committed accidental manslaughter. It explains how the cities are to be distributed across the land and gives instructions on how to deal with a convicted criminal who has escaped from one of the cities of refuge.

Joe: Whoa, that's pretty intense. Tell me more about the cities of refuge.

Bible Expert: Sure. The cities of refuge were set up to provide safety for someone who had committed accidental manslaughter. In these cities, the offender would be protected from the avenger of blood, or the relative of the slain person who is seeking justice. These cities also provided a place for the offender to stand trial and potentially be acquitted from the crime.

Joe: Wow, that's pretty interesting. What kind of things were the offenders supposed to do in order to remain in the city of refuge?

Bible Expert: The offender had to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, or until the death of the current ruling king. This ensured that the offender had time to stand trial and be properly judged by the court. If the offender left the city before these two conditions were met, they could be taken and killed by the avenger of blood.

Joe: Well, that's pretty heavy. Is there anything else we need to know about this chapter?

Bible Expert: This chapter also talks about how to deal with an offender who escapes from a city of refuge. The court must determine if the offender acted intentionally or unintentionally, and if it was unintentional, the court must bring them back to the city of refuge.

Joe: Alright, that's a lot to take in. Thanks for coming on today to discuss this chapter with us.