V.25 The one who fled to the city of refuge was to remain there until the death of the High Priest, and then he could come back to the place where the death had taken place, and he would be free. But from verses 26 and 27 we see that if he came out of that city before the death of the high priest, then he could be put to death. Now let us apply this story. The Lord Jesus loved His guilty people Israel so much, that He said “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” If the Lord had not said this, they would have been guilty of murder, and there could be no blessing for them forever. But now, we might say, they are guilty of “manslaughter,” and God has permitted them to take refuge among the nations where they are scattered. They are going back to their land right now while the great High Priest (the Lord Jesus) is still in glory, and they will be punished there in the land for their disobedience. After the Lord has come to take us believers to Himself in heaven, He will bring the believing Israelites to their land and He will appear there. Though this chapter is about God’s people, Israel, it is an illustration of the refuge (safe place) we have found in our Lord Jesus. Let us thank God for it.