Below is what J. Vernon McGee says in part about the cities of refuge.
“The cities of refuge set before us a vivid scene which has a remarkable lesson for us. God gave to the children of Israel commandment regarding setting aside certain cities for refuge. It is interesting that many tribes and many primitive people have had this same thing. Evidently this is something that was passed on to all mankind. The cities of refuge were for the protection of one who had killed another accidentally.
“In the Hawaiian Islands, on the Kona coast of the Big Island, there is a place known as the City of Refuge. It was in use back in the days before Christianity came to the Islands, when the tribes were slaying each other and even offering human sacrifices. It is there as a tourist attraction today.
“God’s commandment for the establishment of cities of refuge was first given in Exodus 21:13: ‘And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.’ Then explicit directions for the cities of refuge are given in Numbers 35 – the entire chapter. ‘Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares’ (Numbers 35:11).
“Now that the children of Israel are in the Promised Land and each tribe has been allotted its portion of land, the Lord speaks to Joshua about assigning certain cities to be cities of refuge.”
There are also a number of spiritual truths about the cities of refuge, some of which are...
- The cities provided salvation and shelter for anyone. Salvation is for anyone who believes on Jesus Christ.
- The cities were easily accessible. Salvation is easily accessible.
- The gates to the cities were always open. Salvation is always open to all who come to Jesus.
I trust today that Jesus is your place of refuge.
What to do:
✞Run to Jesus, He’ll never fail.
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