Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Cities of Refuge is a significant aspect of the legal and moral framework established in the Old Testament. These cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who had committed manslaughter unintentionally. The primary purpose of these cities was to provide protection from the avenger of blood, allowing the accused to live without fear of retribution until a fair trial could be conducted.Biblical Foundation The establishment of Cities of Refuge is detailed in several passages within the Pentateuch. In Numbers 35:9-15, the LORD instructs Moses regarding the allocation of these cities: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there" . This directive underscores the importance of mercy and justice within the Israelite community. Deuteronomy 19:1-13 further elaborates on the criteria and function of these cities. The passage emphasizes that the cities must be accessible to all who seek refuge: "You are to set aside three cities for yourselves in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess. You are to prepare the roads and divide into three regions the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities" . This accessibility ensured that justice was not hindered by geographical barriers. Open to All Manslayers The inclusivity of the Cities of Refuge is a critical aspect of their function. They were to be open to all individuals who had killed someone unintentionally, regardless of their tribal affiliation or social status. Joshua 20:1-6 reiterates this inclusivity: "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" . This provision reflects the biblical principle that justice and mercy are to be extended to all, without partiality. Legal and Moral Implications The Cities of Refuge served as a tangible expression of God's justice and mercy. They provided a means for the community to distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental death, ensuring that the punishment was appropriate to the crime. The requirement for the accused to remain in the city until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25) further illustrates the balance between justice and mercy, as it allowed for eventual reintegration into society. Theologically, the Cities of Refuge can be seen as a foreshadowing of the grace offered through Christ, who provides ultimate refuge and redemption for all who seek it. The open nature of these cities serves as a reminder of the inclusivity of God's grace, available to all who repent and seek His protection. Conclusion The Cities of Refuge were a divinely instituted provision within the Mosaic Law, designed to uphold justice while extending mercy. Their requirement to be open to all manslayers highlights the biblical principles of fairness, accessibility, and the sanctity of life. Through these cities, the Israelites were taught the importance of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional acts, ensuring that justice was served in a manner consistent with God's character. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 20:4And when he that does flee to one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Book I. Resources What were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were Admah and Zeboiim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | 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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