How does Numbers 35:6 connect to Christ as our refuge in Hebrews 6:18? Read the Passages Side by Side “The six cities you give the Levites are to be your cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to them, give forty-two other cities.” “so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.” What the Ancient Cities of Refuge Were All About • God established six Levitical towns where someone who killed another unintentionally could run for safety (Numbers 35; Joshua 20). • Inside the city walls, the “manslayer” was protected from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could take place (Deuteronomy 19:4-6). • The refuge lasted until the death of the high priest; then the person was free to go home without fear (Numbers 35:25-28). Hebrews Picks Up the Same Vocabulary on Purpose • The writer says we have “fled for refuge”—the identical Greek wording the Septuagint uses for the cities in Numbers. • Instead of running to stone walls, we run to “the hope set before us,” anchored in God’s oath and promise (Hebrews 6:17-19; Titus 1:2). Key Parallels Between the Cities and Christ • Divine Appointment – Cities: God Himself commanded them (Numbers 35:6). – Christ: Sent by the Father as the only appointed Savior (Acts 4:12). • Accessibility – Cities: Strategically spaced so no Israelite lived too far away (Deuteronomy 19:3). – Christ: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • Rapid Flight – Cities: The guilty person had to run without delay. – Christ: Scripture urges immediate faith: “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Protection From Judgment – Cities: Safe from the avenger of blood as long as one remained inside. – Christ: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). • High-Priestly Connection – Cities: Release came when the high priest died. – Christ: Our eternal High Priest died once for all, guaranteeing everlasting freedom (Hebrews 9:11-12). Why the Comparison Matters for Us Today • Our sin may be “unintentional” or deliberate, but guilt is real (Romans 3:23). • God has provided a single, sufficient Refuge—His Son—so we don’t face divine wrath (John 3:36; 1 Thessalonians 1:10). • Just as the manslayer had to remain within the city, we abide in Christ, walking daily in His grace (John 15:4-5; 1 John 2:28). • This refuge produces “strong encouragement.” We are secure because God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18; Psalm 46:1). Living in the Shelter of the Greater Refuge • Celebrate the certainty of God’s promise—He has sworn by Himself. • Rest in the finished work of the High Priest who will never die again, so your refuge is permanent. • Share this open-door city with others who are still exposed to judgment, pointing them to the only safe place—Jesus. |
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