Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Cities of Refuge is a profound and significant element within the Old Testament, serving as a precursor to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. These cities were established by divine command to provide sanctuary and protection for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter. The Cities of Refuge are detailed in several passages, including Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19, and Joshua 20.Biblical Foundation The Lord instructed Moses to designate six cities as places of refuge: "Select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills someone unintentionally may flee there" (Numbers 35:11). These cities were strategically located throughout the land of Israel to ensure accessibility for all, symbolizing the availability of God's mercy and justice. Purpose and Function The primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge was to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood, a family member seeking retribution for the deceased. The accused could flee to one of these cities and present their case before the elders. If deemed innocent of premeditated murder, they were granted asylum until the death of the high priest, at which point they could return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25-28). Typology and Christological Significance The Cities of Refuge serve as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate refuge for sinners. Just as the cities provided safety and protection for those who sought them, Christ offers spiritual refuge and salvation to all who come to Him in faith. The accessibility of the cities reflects the open invitation of the Gospel, where Jesus declares, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Moreover, the requirement for the manslayer to remain in the city until the death of the high priest points to the sacrificial death of Christ, our eternal High Priest. His death and resurrection provide the ultimate atonement for sin, liberating believers from the penalty of sin and granting them eternal life. Moral and Spiritual Lessons The Cities of Refuge illustrate the balance of justice and mercy in God's character. They underscore the importance of intentionality in human actions and the provision of grace for those who err unintentionally. Spiritually, they remind believers of the necessity to seek refuge in Christ, who alone can provide true safety and reconciliation with God. Conclusion In summary, the Cities of Refuge are a powerful Old Testament symbol pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. They highlight God's provision for justice and mercy, offering a vivid picture of the salvation available through faith in Christ. As believers reflect on these ancient cities, they are reminded of the refuge and hope found in their Savior, who is ever-present and ready to receive those who seek Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 14:6 Library The Cities of Refuge The Gospel Refuge. Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Joshua. Six Cities Numbers. The King's Highway Opened and Cleared When travelling lately through the Simplon The Kinsman Redeemer The Welter, 1415-1434. 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) |
    |