Makkos 2:4-5

Makkos 2:4

Those who kill accidentally are exiled to the cities of refuge, of which there were three in trans-Jordan and three in Canaan, as per Numbers 35:14, “You shall designate three cities beyond the Jordan and three cities in the land of Canaan.” The three in trans-Jordan did not take effect until the three in Israel were established, as per Numbers 35:13, “They will be six cities of refuge for you,” i.e., they would not take effect until all six cities were established.

Makkos 2:5

Roads were prepared leading directly to the cities of refuge as per Deuteronomy 19:3, “You shall prepare the way and divide the borders of your land into three parts….” They provided those exiled with two scholars (as escorts) so they could try to pacify the deceased’s avenger should he appear and try to kill the one who killed his relative. Rabbi Meir says that he also speaks for himself, as per Deuteronomy 19:4, “This is the word of the accidental killer.”