In discussing the cities of refuge used for accidental murderers, the Torah tells us that there were three located in the Land of Israel, and three in Trans-Jordan, the place where several tribes got their portion in the Promised Land.
Then the Parsha tells us (19:8-9) that if and when Hashem expands the borders of Eretz Yisrael, then, if we keep the mitzvos properly, to love Hashem and follow Him with all our hearts, we will establish another three cities of refuge.
This will take place in the time when the last of the ten lands are taken by Hashem from the nations, and given to the Jewish People. That will be when Moshiach comes and we will certainly have no more sin.
If so, and no innocent blood will be spilled, what use do we have for these additional cities of refuge?
The Shevet Mussar gives a mind-blowing answer. During the course of the long and bitter exile, many people will accidentally kill and be required to go to personal exile to the city of refuge, but it will not be available to them.
Just as the Gemara in Shabbos says that R’ Yishmael, who was reading by lamplight on Shabbos and unwittingly tipped the lamp to make the flame brighter, later wrote in his notebook, “When the Bais HaMikdash is built, I will bring a fat sin-offering,” these people need to go into exile to atone later on.
The Shevet Mussar explains that indeed, no new murders will take place, but Hashem, in His love for us, will give us an additional three cities of refuge where all those who need to experience galus can do so, and become completely purified.
Thought of the week:
We are only obligated to do the right thing. The rest is in Hashem’s hands.
