Numbers 35:6-21; Six of the forty eight cites the Israelites were commanded by Yahweh-God to dedicate to the Levites would also serve as cities of refuge. Anyone who accidentally caused the death of another person in Israel would flee to the closest city of refuge to plead their case before the assembly. Otherwise, the closest male relative to the slain person was to act as the avenger of blood and take the life of the accused as a murderer. The LORD clearly defined the characteristics of murder, which was punishable by death.