Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Cities of Refuge" in the Old Testament provides a profound typological foreshadowing of the hope offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These cities, established under Mosaic Law, served as sanctuaries for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter. The cities offered protection from the avenger of blood until the accused could stand trial before the congregation. This provision is detailed in Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19, and Joshua 20.Biblical Foundation The Lord commanded Moses to establish six cities of refuge: three on each side of the Jordan River. Numbers 35:11-12 states, "Select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." The cities named in Joshua 20 are Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron on the west of the Jordan, and Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan on the east. These cities were strategically located so that anyone in Israel could reach one within a day’s journey, symbolizing the accessibility of God's mercy. Typology and Fulfillment in Christ The Cities of Refuge serve as a typological precursor to the refuge found in Christ. Just as these cities provided safety and protection for those who sought them, so does Christ offer spiritual refuge to sinners. Hebrews 6:18 speaks of this hope: "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." In the Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate refuge for humanity. The unintentional manslayer's flight to the city parallels the sinner's flight to Christ for salvation. The avenger of blood represents the justice and wrath of God, from which believers are shielded through the atoning work of Jesus. Romans 8:1 assures believers, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Access and Availability The accessibility of the Cities of Refuge underscores the Gospel's universal offer of salvation. Just as the roads to these cities were maintained and clearly marked, the path to salvation through Christ is made clear through the preaching of the Gospel. Isaiah 35:8 prophesies, "And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it, only those who walk in that Way—and fools will not stray onto it." Legal and Moral Implications The legal framework of the Cities of Refuge highlights the balance between justice and mercy. While the cities protected the innocent, they did not harbor the guilty. A trial determined the manslayer's intent, reflecting the biblical principle that God is both just and the justifier (Romans 3:26). This duality is fulfilled in Christ, who satisfies divine justice while extending mercy to repentant sinners. Priestly Role and Christ's High Priesthood The death of the high priest marked the release of the manslayer, symbolizing the end of their exile (Numbers 35:25-28). This points to Christ's role as the eternal High Priest, whose death and resurrection secure the believer's release from the penalty of sin. Hebrews 9:15 declares, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." In summary, the Cities of Refuge illustrate the Gospel's promise of safety and redemption through Christ. They serve as a powerful reminder of God's provision for justice and mercy, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Gospel Refuge. The Cities of Refuge Six Cities Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester The Song of Two Cities Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final ... Divine Support and Protection The King's Highway Opened and Cleared The Moravians. The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace 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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