“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: that the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.”
Joshua 20:2-3 KJV
The need for “cities of refuge” arose because it was the duty of the nearest relative of a man who had been killed to search out and kill the killer. When it was clearly not an intentional killing, but accidental manslaughter, then the killer could seek asylum in any of these six cities. In the new covenant, living in Christ is our city of refuge. In Christ, even the worst intentional murderers find salvation and refuge. Jesus said “…it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” With our words we sin. Our Heavenly Father demonstrated His great love for us that while we were yet sinners and His enemies, He reconciled us to Himself in Christ. Jesus’s finished work on the Cross is our great refuge. As our High Priest, Christ ever lives to make intercession for us because He alone saves us to the uttermost. He is our Refuge, our Fortress, Hiding Place, Stronghold, our Shield. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Let’s rejoice in God our Saviour. Hallelujah!
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