Thoughts

To our 21st century western culture minds, the concept of cities of refuge seems very foreign, but in the culture of Israel when these words were written, this was something that was needed. Each family group had an avenger who would carry out the Genesis 9:6 proclamation, which says, “Whoever shed’s man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God, God made man.”

Here in Numbers 35, a detailed plan was shown that dealt with the situation where a person committed a killing that was accidental, and not premeditated murder, could find a place of safety from an avenger. I won’t review the details of the plan, because we just read them.

What I want to do is show how this concept of the refuge cities is a foreshadowing, or type, of Jesus.

First, there are many scriptures that refer to God as being our refuge. Here are a few:

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Psalm 91:2

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust!”

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

Where do we flee for refuge? To Jesus.

Cities of refuge were located throughout Israel so that those who needed refuge would be able to easily make their way to them. Jesus is only a prayer away.

Cities of refuge were open to anyone, not just the Jew, but to all. Jesus came that anyone who asks will find salvation.

Cities of refuge were places where the one in need could live permanently. A relationship with Jesus is eternal.

Cities of refuge were the only place a person could find safety. Without them, death was sure. Only in Jesus, do we find eternal life.

Outside of the cities of refuge, there was no protection. Outside of Jesus, there is no salvation.

Only when the high priest died was the person freed from the threat of death by the avenger. Jesus, our High Priest, died on a cross to bring our freedom.

And there is one huge difference between cities of refuge and Jesus. You had to be innocent to live in a city of refuge. Jesus accepts the guilty, and removes all guilt and sin.

Hallelujah and amen! Jesus is the only way to freedom, to peace, to live with the assurance that we will never have to pay the penalty for our transgressions, if we have confessed our need of Him and invited Him to be our Savior, and accepted His gift of salvation.

He is our refuge.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 33 NKJV, Ch. 34 CEV, Ch. 35 NIV, Ch. 36 NLT

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