What steps should a person take when seeking refuge, according to Joshua 20:4? Setting the Context When the Lord instructed Israel to establish cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15), He provided a concrete picture of His justice and mercy. Joshua 20:4 zooms in on the moment a person actually arrives. The verse describes a clear, orderly process—four practical steps anyone in dire need of protection had to follow. Step One: Flee to the Appointed Place • “When someone flees to one of these cities…” (Joshua 20:4) • Action word: flee. Delay could mean death (Deuteronomy 19:6). • Direction matters. Safety existed only within the God-designated cities. Similar call: “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Step Two: Stand Publicly at the Gate • “…he is to stand at the entrance of the city gate…” • Gates were the public courts (Ruth 4:1-2). Standing there showed transparency, not trying to hide sin or guilt. • Psalm 25:3 reminds us, “None who wait for You will be put to shame”—confidence even in full view. Step Three: Present the Case to the Elders • “…and present his case before the elders of that city.” • No evasive stories—facts only. The elders represented God’s justice (Deuteronomy 16:18). • Compare Paul’s appeal in Acts 25:11—believers still honor lawful authority when seeking protection. Step Four: Receive Admission and Shelter • “Then they are to admit him into the city and give him a place to live among them.” • Refuge was not partial; it included provision and community (Psalm 91:1). • Hebrews 6:18 applies the same certainty to our refuge in Christ: “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” Putting It Together Follow the Lord’s route to safety: 1. Run without hesitation to the refuge He provides. 2. Stand openly where He tells you to stand. 3. Speak truthfully before His appointed authorities. 4. Rest in the protection and acceptance He guarantees. That simple pattern—run, stand, speak, rest—still guides every heart that seeks true refuge today. |
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