What is the significance of the cities of refuge in Joshua 20:7? The Biblical Text “ So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.” (Joshua 20:7) Historical Background • Long before Israel entered Canaan, the LORD instructed Moses to designate six cities where someone who killed another unintentionally could flee for safety (Numbers 35:9-34; Deuteronomy 19:1-13). • Joshua 20 records the fulfillment of that command once the land had been largely subdued. • Three cities lay west of the Jordan (v. 7); three east of the Jordan (v. 8). All were Levitical towns, centrally located, and reachable within a day’s journey. Purpose of the Cities of Refuge • Protection for the innocent: They safeguarded a person who killed “without intent” (Joshua 20:3) from the blood-avenger until a fair trial could determine guilt or innocence. • Preservation of justice: They prevented vigilante revenge, ensuring due process and upholding the sixth commandment’s sanctity of life (Exodus 20:13). • Restraint of vengeance: The presence of refuge curbed escalating blood-feuds in Israel’s tribal society. • Corporate responsibility: Every tribe shared the cost of maintaining these cities, underscoring national commitment to righteousness and mercy. • Demonstration of covenant obedience: Establishing these cities showed Israel’s desire to follow God’s law exactly as given through Moses. How These Cities Point to Christ • Accessible to all: Roads were kept clear and sign-posted (Deuteronomy 19:3). In the same way, the gospel is announced plainly so “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • Refuge for the guilty yet repentant: While the manslayer was not morally innocent (a life was lost), he was granted mercy. Likewise, sinners guilty before God find safety in Christ, “the hope set before us… a refuge” (Hebrews 6:18). • Security within: Once inside, the manslayer was protected until the high priest’s death (Numbers 35:25-28). Believers are secure “in Christ,” whose once-for-all sacrifice guarantees our freedom forever (Hebrews 7:23-25). • Substitutionary release: Freedom came when the high priest died. Jesus, our great High Priest, releases us by His death—He is both Priest and Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14). • Centrality of Levites: Refuge cities were Levitical, emphasizing mediation. This anticipates Christ’s unique mediating role between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Run quickly to God’s appointed refuge, not human strategies, when conscience convicts. • Cultivate communities (churches) marked by justice and mercy, echoing the balanced character of God. • Keep the “roads” to the gospel open—clear, simple, and inviting—so the lost can find safety without hindrance. • Rest in the finished work of our High Priest; no avenger can reach those hidden in Him (Romans 8:1). • Live gratefully and righteously, remembering that mercy received has moral implications for how we treat others (Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:7). |
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