You shall be guiltless before the L-rd, and before Israel (Num. 32:22)
A person who is innocent before G-d and at peace with his conscience will ultimately be found guiltless by his fellow man; if he does experience occasional difficulties, they will only be temporary. By contrast, a person who strives to be innocent only in the eyes of man will eventually end up being a hypocrite. (Bina La'itim)
These are their journeys according to their goings forth (Num. 33:2)
The Midrash relates that when Moshiach comes and ushers in the Final Redemption, G-d will cause the Jewish people to retrace the same 42 journeys they made through the desert after leaving Egypt. This is alluded in the above verse: "And these are the journeys" - these very same journeys - will be undertaken and repeated, when the future progeny of the Children of Israel will "go forth" - from their final exile. (Abarbanel)
And he shall live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil (Num. 35:25)
The passing of a high priest is such a shocking event that it brings the entire Jewish people to repent. One may therefore assume that the "blood avenger" has also scrutinized his soul and conquered his desire for revenge, enabling the slayer to leave the city of refuge and return home safely. (Abarbanel)
Reprinted from the Parashat Matot-Masei 5761/2001 edition of L’Chaim.
