The Cities For Refuge
Joshua 20:3 says, “That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.”
God designated “six cities for refuge” (Num 35:6), during the time of Moses. Under the law, anyone who is found guilty of murder was to be put to death (Ex 21:14). But for the person who accidentally killed another person, he could take refuge in these cities (Ex 21:13). The slayer would find safety “from the avenger of blood” who seeks to avenge the victim’s death (Num 35:19), until the case could be heard by “the elders of that city” (v. 4). If the death was deemed as an accident, then the slayer was allowed to live within the city; with a guarantee of protection from the avenger (v. 5).
This is what happens when lost sinners would humbly trust Jesus alone as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Rom 5:1). He will save them (Acts 4:12), from the condemnation of hell (Rev 20:14), and immediately places them into the family of God (Jn 1:12)! Notice that the slayer would remain safe within the city (Num 35:26). He could live there “until the death of the high priest” (v. 6). Then he was free to return home without fear! Jesus came “to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). And He promised that our salvation is secured (Php 1:6); in the Saviour’s hand (Jn 10:28), in the “Father’s hand” (Jn 10:29), and “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Eph 1:13) – that’s triple security!
If the slayer is found guilty, then he “shall be put to death” (Num 35:30). We are all guilty of sin (Rom 5:12). But Jesus died on the cross (1 Pet 3:18), and He “rose from the dead” (1 Cor 15:12), to pay for the penalty of our sins (Rom 6:23). After trusting Him as our Saviour and Lord (Rom 10:9), we are safe in His arms; our “High Priest” (Heb 7:26), Who is “alive for evermore” (Rev 1:18). Praise God, He has promised us an eternal refuge in the city of “pure gold” (Rev 21:18)! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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