Thoughts On Deuteronomy 19
Cities of Refuge
“Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man…(Gen 9:6)
The proclamation above was a deterrent against sin and a means of preserving the human race which had fast descended into total lawlessness before the flood. In Israel, the sentence of retribution was carried out by the closest relatives of the deceased, who is referred to as the Avenger of blood.
God in His mercy made provision for those who did not deserve this exacting sentence, when murder was not premeditated but was a genuine accident. Three cities on the East side of the Jordan had already been set aside as Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 4:41-43), Moses instructed the people to do the same on the West side.
When the children of Israel entered the promised land these six cities were to shelter those who had been wrongfully accused or who had accidentally committed a crime. The roads leading to them were always to be clear and kept in good repair. The cities were also placed on high ground and were clearly visible at a distance which meant that the accused, running from the avenger in pursuit could see the city while he was still a good way off.
He was given refuge inside the city of refuge until his case was tried before the judges of the nearest city. If after his trial he was found innocent and it was established beyond a shadow of a doubt that the murder he had committed was not premeditated he would then be taken back to the city of refuge and offered a permanent place there.
However, if at any time he left the confines of the city then his life could justifiably be taken by the avenger of blood. He was essentially trapped within the confines of the city if he wanted to live. He was required to live within the city walls until the death of the high priest at which time he was allowed to return home.
The Jewish cities of refuge were under the jurisdiction of the Levites. This meant that those who were sheltered within its walls were under the influence of the spiritual teachers of the nation and were given an opportunity to turn their lives around.
What is the implication of this to us today?
Prov 18:10 says: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe
The cities of refuge served as a reminder of the refuge that every sinner can find in Jesus, no matter the weight of sin. There is an assurance that even the weakest child of God, who lives continually within this refuge (Jesus) can never be overthrown by the enemy of souls, the devil; for the angels of God encamp around such a one to deliver him” (Ps 34:7).
In moments of despair, when our sins overwhelm us and guilt seems to crash over our souls may we always remember to look to Jesus, who is our refuge and our fortress. In Him, may we find the rest and safety we crave. Amen 🙏