1 When they had finished dividing the land, Hashem said to Yehoshua:
א וַיְדַבֵּר יְהֹוָה אֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ לֵאמֹר׃
2 “Speak to the Israelites: Designate the cities of refuge—about which I commanded you through Moshe
da-BAYR el b’-NAY yis-ra-AYL lay-MOR t’-NU la-KHEM et a-RAY ha-mik-LAT a-sher di-BAR-tee a-lay-KHEM b’-yad mo-SHEH
ב דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר תְּנוּ לָכֶם אֶת־עָרֵי הַמִּקְלָט אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה׃
20:2 Designate the cities of refuge
The cities of refuge are places where people who are guilty of unintentional manslaughter must flee for protection from the relatives of their victims. The accidental killer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the Kohen Gadol. This law, which subjects the unwitting murderer to exile from his home, teaches a powerful lesson. The section of the Torah which details these laws ends with words, “You shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood pollutes the land… You shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I Myself abide, for I Hashem abide among B’nei Yisrael” (Numbers 35:33-34). Bloodshed, even unintentional, defiles the sanctity of the land. Therefore, the perpetrator must undergo a symbolic exile from the land which he has defiled. He can return only once atonement is achieved through the death of the Kohen Gadol. Similarly, the Jewish people were exiled from the Land of Israel because of their collective desecration of the land. And just as the unwitting murderer eventually returns home from the city of refuge, the People of Israel are now also returning home from their long and painful exile, to Eretz Yisrael.Comment
3 to which a manslayer who kills a person by mistake, unintentionally, may flee. They shall serve you as a refuge from the blood avenger.
ג לָנוּס שָׁמָּה רוֹצֵחַ מַכֵּה־נֶפֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָה בִּבְלִי־דָעַת וְהָיוּ לָכֶם לְמִקְלָט מִגֹּאֵל הַדָּם׃
4 He shall flee to one of those cities, present himself at the entrance to the city gate, and plead his case before the elders of that city; and they shall admit him into the city and give him a place in which to live among them.
ד וְנָס אֶל־אַחַת מֵהֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וְעָמַד פֶּתַח שַׁעַר הָעִיר וְדִבֶּר בְּאָזְנֵי זִקְנֵי־הָעִיר הַהִיא אֶת־דְּבָרָיו וְאָסְפוּ אֹתוֹ הָעִירָה אֲלֵיהֶם וְנָתְנוּ־לוֹ מָקוֹם וְיָשַׁב עִמָּם׃
5 Should the blood avenger pursue him, they shall not hand the manslayer over to him, since he killed the other person without intent and had not been his enemy in the past.
ה וְכִי יִרְדֹּף גֹּאֵל הַדָּם אַחֲרָיו וְלֹא־יַסְגִּרוּ אֶת־הָרֹצֵחַ בְּיָדוֹ כִּי בִבְלִי־דַעַת הִכָּה אֶת־רֵעֵהוּ וְלֹא־שֹׂנֵא הוּא לוֹ מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם׃
6 He shall live in that city until he can stand trial before the assembly, [and remain there] until the death of the Kohen Gadol who is in office at that time. Thereafter, the manslayer may go back to his home in his own town, to the town from which he fled.”
ו וְיָשַׁב בָּעִיר הַהִיא עַד־עָמְדוֹ לִפְנֵי הָעֵדָה לַמִּשְׁפָּט עַד־מוֹת הַכֹּהֵן הַגָּדוֹל אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם אָז יָשׁוּב הָרוֹצֵחַ וּבָא אֶל־עִירוֹ וְאֶל־בֵּיתוֹ אֶל־הָעִיר אֲשֶׁר־נָס מִשָּׁם׃
7 So they set aside Kedesh in the hill country of Naftali in Galilee, Shechem in the hill country of Efraim, and Kiryat Arba—that is, Chevron—in the hill country of Yehuda.
ז וַיַּקְדִּשׁוּ אֶת־קֶדֶשׁ בַּגָּלִיל בְּהַר נַפְתָּלִי וְאֶת־שְׁכֶם בְּהַר אֶפְרָיִם וְאֶת־קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע הִיא חֶבְרוֹן בְּהַר יְהוּדָה׃
9 Those were the towns designated for all the Israelites and for aliens residing among them, to which anyone who killed a person unintentionally might flee, and not die by the hand of the blood avenger before standing trial by the assembly.
ט אֵלֶּה הָיוּ עָרֵי הַמּוּעָדָה לְכֹל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלַגֵּר הַגָּר בְּתוֹכָם לָנוּס שָׁמָּה כָּל־מַכֵּה־נֶפֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָה וְלֹא יָמוּת בְּיַד גֹּאֵל הַדָּם עַד־עָמְדוֹ לִפְנֵי הָעֵדָה׃
While there are hundreds of different English translations of God’s Word, The Israel Bible not only has the original Hebrew language, which has never changed, it has the most faithful English translation of the original text right beside it. Each Hebrew verse has the vowel points and parallels the English verse for those who want to learn Hebrew. The commentary is superb, giving Christians insight into additional layers of interpretation. Most importantly, it shows God’s covenantal connection – through His Torah – of the land of Israel to the people of Israel. This is a covenant that has never been broken. The Israel Bible is truly a magnificent gift to mankind at this time in history, and I believe it will be an integral part of the tikkun olam – repairing of the world – by rectifying the breach between the nations of the world and the nation of Israel, so that all mankind may call upon Hashem in one accord.
I just received my copy of The Israel Bible and now see why Amazon Books is having a hard time keeping this majestic work in stock! Sorry to say my favorite Stone Edition Tanach may not be opened for a while. This is a MUST for every serious lover of the Word of God!
The Israel Bible is a treasure: impressive, with coherent, expressive and intelligible introductions, translations faithful to the Hebrew, important commentary linking the Bible to modern-day Israel, and substantial and purposeful supplementary material. An enjoyable Bible for the synagogue; a wonderful reference for school and home.
As a neighbor of Rabbi Tuly Weisz, I benefit from the tremendous passion and love that Rabbi Weisz and his family have for Medinat Israel. Now with The Israel Bible that Rabbi Weisz put together, everyone in the world can benefit as well from that passion. Thank you Rabbi Weisz for making the 70th anniversary of Medinat Israel so much more special. May we merit to see the full redemption in our days.
The Israel Bible makes us walking with the slaves in Egypt, with the prophets on the mountains of Israel and learning about the rebirth of the State of Israel… Studying and having input from many rabbis who have been studying before us, give us a rich and deeper understanding of the divine plan for humanity.
The prophets were God’s chosen and inspired scribes, therefore; it is natural to want to drink from the wells of Jacob. “The Israel Bible” releases refreshing comprehension about words in scripture passages, and their origins. The creation of this work is brilliant. It will educate the educators, as well as the ordinary truth seeker. I believe it will help liberate many from the shackles of inaccurate theological interpretation and prepare them to meet the challenges that this understanding brings to the world.
Christians as well as Jews will find much to learn from this excellent resource as they study G-d’s word. I am confident that this special edition of “The Israel Bible” published in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary will deepen the readers’ spiritual relationship with G-d, strengthen their bonds with Israel – land and people – and deeply enrich their lives. Thank you Rabbi Tuly Weisz for this outstanding work! And thank you for your tender heart for G-d and outstretched arms lovingly welcoming Christians as well as Jews to share in the treasures of our biblical heritage.
“The Israel Bible is a scholarly and religiously meaningful resource for the 21st century student. Tuly Weisz, in his highly accessible and graphically compelling work, successfully highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel in the biblical narrative. He presents classical biblical commentary in a user-friendly manner. A great resource for seasoned scholars and novice students.”
“This beautiful Bible should join – if not replace – coffee table Bibles worldwide. It provides insights about the central theme of the Jewish Bible, that God designated the Land of Israel to the Jewish People, and introduces sources from the time of Joshua to the times of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“My congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for producing the world’s first Hebrew Bible dedicated to the relationship between the Land and the People of Israel. As a Christian Zionist pastor for four decades, I have collected more than 30 versions of the Bible and seven complete sets of commentaries to augment my studies. After spending time studying The Israel Bible, I can say it gives much clarity to what the original Hebrew text was saying. As Hebrew scholars, the writers give clarity and revelation to the Scripture in ways I have not had access to otherwise. This Bible is easy to follow and very informative. It makes my studies more enjoyable while reading the text, footnotes and quotes from many wise people. It is a great study Bible for all serious students of the Word.”
“Thanks to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for reminding us that, at its core, the Hebrew bible is a description of a love story between a people and its land, the Jewish people and the land of Israel. From its earliest history, Eretz Yisrael has been central to Jewish living and Jewish destiny. The Jewish people dwelt in it, pined and yearned for it and, in our day, has miraculously merited to return to it. Featuring clear translations, introductions and incisive commentaries written by a team of impressive scholars, transliterations and maps, this volume will be indispensable for adherents of all religions who appreciate the absolute fundamental importance of Israel for the Jewish people and for the world.”
“The Israel Bible is a remarkable work that will deepen the reader’s love for God, Torah and the Land of Israel. It seamlessly weaves together all of Jewish history, ancient and modern. Rabbi Tuly Weisz has published a Bible that reinforces its central theme: the existence of the people of Israel living in the Land of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel.”
“The Israel Bible comes at a very significant crossroads that Israel and the world have encountered. There is an awakening among the Nations, even amongst those who view themselves as part of the lost Ten Tribes, to understand and return to their Hebrew roots, after the depths of the Hebrew Bible have been “hidden” for almost two millennia. The Israel Bible provides a dignified yet smooth reintroduction to the multi-dimensional and awe-inspiring world of the Tanakh for all those interested in delving deeper. The contemporary commentary that could only been written in our generation, at a time when prophesies are being fulfilled in rapid succession, shows how much the Tanakh is still the guiding authority of our lives, providing us with a regained and reinforced acknowledgment of the Almighty’s ever-present Hand upon His People – the People of Israel, our return to the Land of Israel and Israel’s call to the Nations. The thoughtful transliteration makes the transition to speaking the authentic Word so much easier. Like training wheels, it gives the reader a boost of confidence that also he or she can now speak the eternal language once uttered by prophets, kings and the Most High Himself when He communicated His Word from Sinai.”
“Ki Mi’Tzion Tetze Torah, For from out of Zion will come Torah.” Congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for his monumental work, The Israel Bible. This Bible not only highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel and the modern miracle of the State of Israel, but helps the Bible scholar and student alike, with helpful charts, study notes, professional essays and a relatable translation of the Hebrew text. What a beautiful and poignant way to celebrate The State of Israel’s 70th birthday.”
“I am pleased that Rabbi Tuly Weisz and the fine group of authors he has assembled have created this relevant work. Based on the sections I have read, I am confident it will succeed in helping readers of Tanakh better understand its geographical context and better perceive some of its contemporary resonances.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz is to be commended for compiling this remarkable collection of insights from classical rabbinic commentary and contemporary Israeli figures. Through these focused comments, he consistently highlights the profound biblical connection between God, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel. May this book inspire us to fulfill the central mission of Tanakh itself–that individual Jews, and the miraculous State of Israel, should live up to our monumental covenantal privilege and responsibility to live according to the Torah and to serve as a Light unto the Nations.”
“This excellent work connects all the dots. It draws the reader closer to the Almighty, to the Torah, and to the Land of Israel. Rabbi Tuly Weisz and his colleagues are to be congratulated, and thanked, for this inspiring and informative gift to all who share our history and destiny.”
“The Israel Bible is a publication whose time has come. In these very critical and tempestuous times it is especially important to understand the inexplicable connection between the nation of Israel and the Land of Israel and this is precisely what Rabbi Tuly Weisz has succeeded in doing in this timely translation of the Bible.”
“Ever since I made my first trip to Israel, the words of the Bible have seemed to leap off the pages. Through reading The Israel Bible, I am now gaining a deeper understanding through inspiring Jewish insight, which has always connected the Bible to the People, Land, and God of Israel. Thank you, Rabbi Tuly Weisz, for allowing non-Jews the opportunity to connect as well.”
“The Bible, the land, and the people of Israel are one, and The Israel Bible reminds us of this bond. You can’t read the Bible, the word of God, without understanding the significance of Israel—past, present, and future. In 1948, the prophecy came to pass in our own time and no one can disconnect the people from their land ever again. Now that the God and people and land of Israel are back together, history is happening here. Jews and Christians share a biblical heritage, and The Israel Bible shows even more clearly that this is the land God chose for the Jewish people.”
“My husband and I enjoy so much these devotionals. The Israel Bible quotes in Hebrew give me a chance every day to practise my basic Biblical Hebrew reading skills. Though we are not Jewish (we are Baptists) we understand that the Lord speaks through His Holy Word. Thank you for helping people to hear His voice.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz’s The Israel Bible is a disruptor among bible translations. His eloquent writing style and revolutionary connection made between ancient written prophecy and it’s modern day fulfillment is stunning. Brilliant to include such incredible evidence of the promises of God on the very pages it was first written. Comprehensive and interactive, this bible fills the time gap like no other translation. It truly leaves the reader inspired and in complete awe. Exciting times to be alive with this inspiring look to the future redemption of Israel and the world.”
“Very often people read the Bible and think that it’s a dogmatic book of commandments. Yet, from the very beginning until the very end, the Tanakh is the story of the Jewish people’s connection to the Land of Israel. When you open The Israel Bible and see those grey boxes on all 929 chapters containing lessons about Israel, you see that Israel is the Torah’s main theme and begin to understand the major role that it plays. The Israel Bible helps you understand that the whole Bible is all about the Land of Israel – and that is a message for all of humanity.”
“‘The Israel Bible’ is a treasure of a translation. But it’s more than that – beautifully illustrated, with rich cultural context. It will aid your study of Scripture as few English translations because of its authentic Israel-centrism. It’s a breakthrough for those seeking a fuller, deeper comprehension of what HaShem is is still speaking to us today.”
“It is said that one of the greatest gifts that the Jewish people have given to the world is their faithful copying and scribing and sharing of the Torah. Truly the living torah is the source of life; it is a light to the nations. No longer is the Old Testament to be found only on ancient torah scrolls, or in dusty books– it is now accessible through 21st century technology. We have a new gift to unwrap: it is TheIsraelBible.com. This recently released online bible, The Israel Bible is an incredible gift to all lovers of Torah and the Old Testament. It brings us into the 21st century in how we access and study the scriptures. For those of you who love to study the scriptures, this is a website you will want to save into your favorites and visit often. We thank the team of Jewish scholars who have poured their minds, hearts, labor and love into this amazing online resource. What a gift to the world!”
“The Bible is Israel’s greatest export to the world, and so it is impossible to think of the Bible without connecting it to Israel, its land and its people. For many years it has been in my heart to see a publication that would prophetically chronicle the ongoing miraculous story of the Bible. Rabbi Tuly Weisz is helping to fulfill that dream with The Israel Bible, which includes in its commentaries the ongoing story of the miracles associated with Israel’s rebirth. The Israel Bible is a teaching tool to help prepare the nations for when Jerusalem will be the worship capital of the world, and Israel with its Hebrew language will be center stage of universal blessings.”
The cities of refuge are at a type of Christ. Only in him can one find a refuge from the penalty of sin.
Today when you read Holy Bible, I’m humbly requesting a prayer for abused children in entire world!