maaalueelta

Ma'alue'ela is a term used in the context of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Numbers. It refers to a place of refuge, a sanctuary where a person could flee to avoid being killed by a fellow Israelite. The concept of ma'alue'ela is rooted in the principle of "an eye for an eye," which was a common practice in ancient societies. However, the Bible introduced the idea of a third party, the ma'alue'ela, to prevent the cycle of revenge and to protect the innocent.

The establishment of ma'alue'ela was a response to the frequent conflicts and murders among the Israelites. The Book of Numbers describes how God commanded Moses to set up six cities of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. These cities were to be places where anyone who unintentionally killed another person could flee and be protected from retaliation.

The ma'alue'ela system was not a permanent solution but a temporary measure to address the immediate problem of blood feuds. It was intended to be a stopgap until a more permanent solution could be found, which would involve the establishment of a central government and a legal system. The concept of ma'alue'ela highlights the biblical emphasis on justice, mercy, and the protection of the innocent.