Cities of Refuge
Joshua 20
Joshua divided up the land in the surrounding chapters, as he was commanded to. Amid dividing out the land, he obeys the commandments to set up cities of refuge found in Deuteronomy 19:1-13; Numbers 35:10-34
The Purpose of the Cities of Refuge vs. 1-6
If anyone accidently killed someone, they could seek refuge from someone bent on revenge. Capital punishment was an important law in this society.
God made it clear that murders would defile the land (Numbers 35:31-34).
To make sure people weren’t punished for accidental death rather than murder, the cities of refuge were set aside.
Vs. 4 someone fleeing to the cities of refuge would stand outside and declare his case.
After explaining the case, the fleeing person could expect to find protection within the walls, though he would have to live within that city to stay protected.
Vs. 5 The person would stay protected. The key was premeditation.
Vs. 6 After the high priest died, the slayer could return home and still be protected.
The Names of the Cities of Refuge vs. 7-9
Each of the cities’ names had special meanings.
Kedesh “holy place”
Shechem “strong shoulder”
Hebron “fellowship”
Bezer “strong hiding place”
Ramoth “high place”
Golan “enclosure for captives”
These cities were located on hills.
They were on a plain marked road. It was a Jewish law that once a year the road was repaired and clear signage was posted so all could find it.
There was not a city of Refuge that wasn’t more than a day away.
It was available to Gentiles as well as Hebrews people. Numbers 35:15
Christ Pictured in the Cites of Refuge
Psalm 46:1
Hebrews 6:18
Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are within easy reach of the needy person; they were of no use unless someone could get to the place of refuge.
- Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are open to all, not just the Israelite; no one needs to fear that they would be turned away from their place of refuge in their time of need.
- Both Jesus and the cities of refuge became a place where the one in need would live; you didn’t come to a city of refuge in time of need just to look around.
- Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are the only alternative for the one in need; without this specific protection, they will be destroyed.
- Both Jesus and the cities of refuge provide protection only within their boundaries; to go outside means death.
- With both Jesus and the cities of refuge, full freedom comes with the death of the High Priest.