What significance do the cities of refuge hold for believers today? Setting the Scene in Joshua 21:30 • “From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon,” (Joshua 21:30) • Joshua 20 has just listed the six cities of refuge; chapter 21 follows with forty-eight Levitical towns—including Mishal and Abdon—scattered among all the tribes. • God tucked His priests, His worship centers, and His shelter cities right into the neighborhoods of ordinary Israelites so that grace and truth were never far away. What Were the Cities of Refuge? • Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth-gilead, Golan (Joshua 20:7-8) • Set apart for anyone who killed someone unintentionally (manslaughter). • The manslayer fled there, stood at the gate, and was welcomed inside (20:4). • He remained safely inside until his case was heard and—if innocent of murder—until the death of the high priest (20:6). • Easily reachable: roads kept clear, signposts maintained, gates open day and night (Deuteronomy 19:3). • Staffed by Levites—teachers of God’s law—ready to guide and counsel. Old-Covenant Purposes, New-Covenant Pictures • Protection from the avenger of blood → Protection from God’s righteous judgment (Romans 5:9). • Open access, no bribes, no favoritism → “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • Distance never excessive → “He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). • Death of the high priest released the manslayer → Death of our High Priest releases us forever (Hebrews 9:11-15). • Cities run by Levites → Our refuge is filled with the ministry of the true Priest-King, Jesus. Pointers to Christ: Our Ultimate Refuge • Hebrews 6:18: “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” • Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” • Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Every feature of the ancient refuge system whispers His name: open gates, close proximity, impartial justice, a death that sets the captive free. Practical Significance for Believers Today • Assurance of security – Our standing is as sure as the manslayer’s within Hebron’s walls. – No sin surprises God; the refuge was built before the crime occurred (Revelation 13:8). • Unhindered access – We don’t knock in fear; we enter boldly (Hebrews 4:16). • Freedom from condemnation – Once inside, we stop replaying the past—“The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • Call to keep the road clear – Levites maintained paths; we remove modern debris—confusing jargon, legalism, pride—so others find Christ quickly (Isaiah 57:14). • Ministry of presence – Levites lived in forty-eight towns; believers today are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) sprinkled everywhere, carrying the message of refuge to workplaces, campuses, neighborhoods. • Rest in substitutionary death – The High Priest died, the manslayer walked free. Jesus died, we live eternally (2 Corinthians 5:21). Living in the Refuge Daily Ask, “Where am I tempted to step outside the gate?” • Self-condemnation? Run back to Romans 8:1. • Fear of judgment? Hide in John 5:24. • Guilt’s whispers? Answer with Colossians 2:14. Stay near the Levites—today’s local church, Bible teachers, mature believers—who keep the refuge well-lit with truth and worship (Ephesians 4:11-13). Encouragement to Come and Abide The doors stand open. The path is straight. The High Priest has already laid down His life. There is no safer, freer, or nearer place than the refuge God designed—Christ Himself. |
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