Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Cities of Refuge" originates from the Old Testament, where God commanded the Israelites to establish specific cities as places of asylum for those who had accidentally committed manslaughter. These cities provided protection from the avenger of blood until the accused could stand trial before the congregation (Numbers 35:9-15; Deuteronomy 19:1-13; Joshua 20:1-9). In a spiritual sense, these cities prefigure the refuge found in Jesus Christ for sinners seeking salvation and protection from the consequences of sin.Biblical Foundation The Cities of Refuge were six Levitical cities strategically located throughout the land of Israel. They were accessible to all, symbolizing the availability of God's mercy and justice. The cities included Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. As described in Joshua 20:2-3 , "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." Typology of Christ In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Cities of Refuge. Just as these cities provided safety and protection, Christ offers refuge to all who come to Him in faith. Hebrews 6:18 states, "Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged." This passage highlights the assurance and hope found in Christ, akin to the security offered by the ancient cities. Accessibility and Universality The Cities of Refuge were accessible to everyone, including Israelites, foreigners, and sojourners, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's grace. Similarly, Christ's offer of salvation is available to all, regardless of background or past sins. Romans 10:13 affirms, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This universality underscores the open invitation to find refuge in Christ. Protection and Justice The cities served as a place where justice could be fairly administered, ensuring that the accused received a proper hearing. In Christ, believers find both protection from the penalty of sin and the assurance of divine justice. Romans 8:1 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes the protection from condemnation that believers experience through faith in Christ. Perpetual Refuge Unlike the temporary refuge provided by the Levitical cities, the refuge found in Christ is eternal. The high priest's death in the Old Testament signaled the release of those who sought refuge, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, our High Priest, whose death and resurrection provide everlasting refuge. Hebrews 7:24-25 states, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." In summary, the Cities of Refuge serve as a profound typology of the refuge and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. They illustrate the principles of accessibility, protection, justice, and eternal security, all of which are fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 91:2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 25:4 Library The Cities of Refuge The Cities of Refuge. The Cities of the Levites. The Gospel Refuge. Six Cities Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? When travelling lately through the Simplon The Rock of Castello. The Kinsman Redeemer Joshua. Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | 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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