The Vision – Part 4, The Refuge

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Cities of Refuge, Salvation

Levitical Cities Statute

The Levitical Cities Statute (Numbers 35:29) was established by God when Israel was in the plains of Moab opposite Jericho and before they crossed the Jordan (Numbers 35:22-28).  The statute was perpetual throughout the generations and every tribe was to give to the priesthood in proportion to their possession.  Some gave more while others gave less but all gave something.

There were a total of forty-eight cities that were given to the Levites.  Each city contained more than 826 acres when the pastureland was included.  Six of the 48 cities were to be designated as cities of refuge.  Three cities were located “across the Jordan” to the east and three were to the west in Canaan.  They were distributed throughout the land within a days journey of anyone in need of a refuge.

The purpose of the cities of refuge was to provide a sanctuary for those guilty of manslaughter.  They were available to everyone whether an Israelite, an alien living in the land or a sojourner just passing through.

Manslaughter vs. Murder

Manslaughter is taking a life accidentally and without malice of forethought.   It may include pushing someone and them dying as a result but in the moment there was no hatred or evil intent in their heart.  It is different from murder, which is a premeditated act with the intent to harm or kill.  Manslaughter and murder carried the death sentence under the Old Testament but only the manslayer was provided sanctuary in the cities of refuge.

God told Noah immediately after the flood that He would require the lifeblood of any man who was guilty of murder (Genesis 9:6).  Murder is an act of rebellion against God because man is created in the image of God.  The innocent blood cries out for justice and it demands a verdict (Genesis 4:10 NASB).

The sixth commandment is ““You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17).  It’s interesting the 6th commandment aligns with the number of man, which is six.  It’s also interesting there were six cities of refuge that provided shelter for a man who was not guilty of violating the 6th commandment.  Taking a life is always a serious matter and according to God’s law the verdict should be measured by intent and not the act alone.

The Manslayer

The term “manslayer” in the Bible is defined as someone guilty of manslaughter.  Any hope of their life being spared required they leave their home and loved ones and immediately flee to a city of refuge.  There was no time for long good-byes since the blood avenger would soon be on their heels.

The avenger was typically a member of the victim’s family appointed for the purpose of bringing justice to the family.  The requirement for justice under the Old Testament is “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:3-24).  The victim’s next of kin had the legal right to avenge the death of their family member.  They appointed a “blood avenger” to fulfill the Law and make them whole once again.  The blood avenger could legally execute the manslayer if he caught the manslayer before he reached a city of refuge or upon finding them outside the city walls before the death of the resident high priest.

Upon arrival, the elders would verify the allegations surrounding the victim’s death and grant the defendant refuge if the verdict was manslaughter.  The only protection for the manslayer was within the city walls.  The length of stay was determined by the life span of the high priest.  The sentence of manslaughter was fulfilled upon the death of the high priest and they were free to return home and be with their family without fear of the blood avenger.

Justice

God loves justice and this statute provides for the victim’s family and the manslayer.  The victim’s family had the opportunity to fulfill the requirement of the Law under the aforementioned conditions.  The family had to accept the outcome if the blood avenger was unsuccessful in completing his duty.   They could be angry with the manslayer or disappointed with their avenger but not the Law.

The manslayer had to accept responsibility for his actions and seek refuge in the place God foreordained or suffer the consequences.  There were no other options other than coming face to face with the avenger.  Not a good idea.  The manslayer was no longer free to be with their family or do as they pleased but were subject to the Law until the sentence was complete.  Once the priest died the shame and guilt of taking a life was lifted.  Wholeness came to both parties when the Law was satisfied and justice was served.

Justified

Jesus was murdered by the Jewish hierarchy, the Roman political system and all those who cried “crucify Him” during His trial before Pontius Pilate (Acts 7:51-53).  They released a convicted murderer in exchange for His life (Luke 23:25, Acts 3:14-15).  The court found no fault in Him and yet the innocent was condemned to death and sacrificed on a cross.

The majority of the people today would claim they were innocent of the charge of murdering the Messiah.  That may be true but what about the charge of manslaughter?  All of us are guilty and under a death sentence (Romans 5:12-14).  Innocent blood was shed to redeem us from the debt of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19).  Why?  Because there was no hope of salvation within ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9).  No amount of our good works could save us from the sentence of death (Romans 7:24).

A guilty party is justified when justice is served.  Jesus fulfilled the requirement of the Law on our behalf.  The Mosiaic Law gave no hope for a murderer, only a manslayer.  Jesus has become a city of refuge for both murderers and manslayers alike.

There is hope for everyone who is under the death sentence (1 Corinthians 15:22).  Our high priest has died in our stead.  Our sentence has been revoked.  He has conquered sin, death, hell and the grave through the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).  The shame and guilt have been lifted and we are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).  The wrath of God has been satisfied (2 Corinthians 5:21).  We have been justified before the Law by His blood (Romans 5:9).  Justice has been served and we have been made whole.

Bless His holy name.