Cities of Refuge. Joshua 20, 21

 

Joshua 20. Cities of Refuge

 

God’s commandment for the establishment of cities of refuge was first given in Exodus 21:13. Then explicit directions for the cities of refuge are given in Numbers 35.

God knows human nature. This was His law. If one killed another unintentionally, without premeditation, he is to be provided protection.

 

Scripture makes it clear that not only was the Lord Jesus Christ slain, but He is our city or refuge today. All who find a refuge in Him are saved forever from the judgment of a Holy God. Both Jew and Gentile stand guilty before God as having participated in that which brought about the death of His Son. But Christ came to give Himself a ransom for all.  And His sacrifice on the cross has opened up, as it were, a city of refuge for all who put their trust in Him.

 

Joshua 21 Cities for the Levites

 

God kept His promise and scattered the Levites, the Priestly tribe, throughout Israel. He gave them forty-eight cities, including the cities of refuge.  It should have been a blessing to Israel to have these servants of God living within their cities and sharing the truth of the Word of God with the people.

 

Now the Israelites are at rest. The rest for us today is the rest of redemption. The one thing Christian needs is to enter into the rest God has provided. By our faith, we can accomplish that. “Come unto me, all you that labor, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

The Israelites can now cultivate and eat the fruits of their labor.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.