Numbers 34-35 & Acts 25

Serious housekeeping takes place in Numbers 34 as the boundaries for Israel are laid out in this chapter. It is  important to note these boundaries probably did not ever reflect the real boundaries of Israel neither in biblical times or modern times.

Towards the end of the chapter, God outlines the leaders of Israel as they prepare to enter into the Promised Land. Joshua is tapped as the successor to Moses, and Eleazar is established as the chief priest. God further lays out the leadership by appointing leaders for each tribe.

As Israel considers the land, we have already heard of two tribes staking claim to land, one serious question needs to be addressed, where will the Levites reside? Well, Numbers 35 seeks to answer this question. Since the Levites have lost their tribal claim and belong to God, they must be allocated land so that they can care for themselves. Cities and land around these cities will be established for the Levites and they will be given livestock to get started.

In addition, some of these cities must also be established as cities of sanctuary where those who accidentally kill another can go without fear of retaliation. Custom was that if someone is killed, the family has the right of revenge, a custom that still exists in some places of this world. However, God does not want to see an ever increasing cycle of bloodshed and therefore creates safe havens to those who accidentally kill another can go and live out their lives. Of course, if you murder some one, then all bets are off, you are on your own for the family of the deceased has the right of an avenger who can seek the death of the murderer.

Acts 25

So now it is Festus' turn to try and determine if Paul is innocent or guilty. History tells us that Festus was not as corrupt as Felix and that this was a period of time that the Roman authorities tried to build stronger relationships with the Jewish leadership, so we find it not surprising that Festus goes to Jerusalem to speak to the Jewish leaders.

At this gathering, the leaders seek a new trial for Paul and they want him brought back to Jerusalem for the trial. Most likely they want him moved not for the trial but so that they can attempt to kill him instead. Festus is not willing to cede his authority over to the Jewish leadership and will not move Paul, however, he does invite the leadership to come to Ceasarea to make their case.

Upon their arrival the Jewish leaders level many charges against Paul. Festus and Paul have an exchange where Festus asks Paul if he would want to get to Jerusalem to answer the charges. Paul, knowing his rights as well as the Roman system, challenges Festus, who is the tribune and who should handle the case, to give his verdict. Sensing this might not be forthcoming, Paul plays his trump card and as a Roman citizen appeals to the emperor.

For this kind of appeal it would be customary to send a copy of charges with the prisoner for the emperor to review to determine guilt or innocence, however, Festus has no idea what charges should be brought. So he turns to the expertise of King Agrippa, who is one of the Jewish rulers of the region.