Joshua 20
We read that God said the people should have cities of refuge. Those were cities where any person, who, by accident, caused another person to be hurt and die, could run to, and be kept safe from the one who would punish him.
There were to be six of these cities, each in a central part, and all the people were to be told about them.
The plan for these safe cities had been written down before they cone to Canaan. Yet Joshua might have forgotten to tell the people just which cities were for refuge. But the Lord did not forget, and reminded Joshua to appoint them.
So three cities on the west side of the Jordan River were named, and three cities on the east side. Those on the east of Jordan had been chosen before by Moses (Deut. 4:41-43).
The people who lived in the refuge cities were of the tribe of Levi, and the men took care of the Tent of God. Some of those men were to listen to the story of any man who ran to a refuge city, and judge if true, and keep him there where no one could hurt him.
The plan for the cities of refuge shows us how well God knew the troubles which the people would have, and how carefully He planned to save those who would do as He said.
We do not read after this of any who ran to a refuge city, but surely there were those who had such trouble and believed God’s way to save them, and would quickly run to the nearest refuge city.
But if anyone hated another person, and caused his death on purpose; that one could not stay in a refuge city, but must be punished for his sin (Num. 35:9-16; Deut. 19:1-11).
May years after, God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to that same land of Canaan, and He was cruelly put to death (Acts 3:14-19). Yet God has made Him to be the Refuge for all who will trust in Him, to save them from their sins.
“There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
ML 05/22/1938