Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities often served as places of refuge and safety during times of danger and distress. These cities provided physical protection, spiritual sanctuary, and a sense of community for those in need. The concept of cities as places of refuge is deeply rooted in the history and theology of the Bible, reflecting God's provision and care for His people.Cities of Refuge One of the most explicit examples of cities providing refuge is the establishment of the Cities of Refuge as outlined in the Mosaic Law. These cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter. The purpose was to protect the accused from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. In Joshua 20:2-3 , the LORD instructs Joshua, "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally or accidentally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." Six cities were appointed for this purpose: Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron on the west side of the Jordan River, and Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan on the east side (Joshua 20:7-8). These cities were strategically located to be accessible to all Israelites, ensuring that anyone in need of refuge could reach them without undue hardship. Jerusalem: A City of Spiritual Refuge Jerusalem holds a unique place as a city of refuge, not only in a physical sense but also spiritually. As the location of the Temple, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. In times of national crisis, such as during the Assyrian siege under King Hezekiah, Jerusalem became a bastion of hope and divine intervention. 2 Kings 19:34 records God's promise: "I will defend this city and save it for My sake and for the sake of My servant David." The Psalms frequently reflect the theme of Jerusalem as a place of refuge. Psalm 46:4-5 declares, "There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns." This imagery underscores the belief that God's presence in Jerusalem provided ultimate security and refuge. Bethlehem: A Refuge for the Savior Bethlehem, though a small town, played a significant role as a place of refuge in the New Testament. It was here that Jesus Christ, the Savior, was born, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. In the Gospel of Matthew, Bethlehem becomes a temporary refuge for the Holy Family. After the visit of the Magi, an angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod's murderous intent (Matthew 2:13-14). Thus, Bethlehem served as a starting point for the divine plan of salvation, offering refuge to the infant Jesus. Theological Implications The concept of cities as places of refuge in the Bible carries profound theological implications. It reflects God's justice, mercy, and provision for His people. The Cities of Refuge illustrate the balance between justice and mercy, ensuring that those who committed accidental manslaughter could find protection while awaiting a fair trial. This system foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Christ, who offers spiritual sanctuary and forgiveness to all who seek Him. Moreover, the role of Jerusalem and Bethlehem as cities of refuge highlights the centrality of God's presence and His redemptive plan. Jerusalem, as the site of the Temple, symbolizes God's dwelling among His people, while Bethlehem marks the incarnation of God in human form, providing refuge and salvation to a fallen world. In summary, the biblical portrayal of cities as places of refuge underscores the enduring theme of God's protection and provision, offering both physical safety and spiritual sanctuary to His people throughout history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 8:14-16Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defended cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God has put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Conquest of Babylon. The Israelites Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Other Self-Asserting Augustae --Verina, Ariadne, Sophia, Martina ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Causes of the Reformation Close of the Colonial Era --The German Churches --The Beginnings ... Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Babylonia and Assyria Divine Support and Protection Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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