City of Refuge

Now, my city of refuge is not a place but a Person. 
I can run to Him, naked and unashamed, in my distress. 
He is never far away—close enough. He is Mighty to Save. 
All I need to do is fix my gaze on Him, look to Him, and I am lightened. 
My face is not ashamed.

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In ancient Israel, if a man was guilty of manslaughter—whether intentionally, carelessly, or in self-defence—the nearest relative would avenge the blood of the slain person. But God, knowing that sometimes people are unfairly judged, appointed cities of refuge.

(Read Numbers 39:9-34 for more.)

There were six Cities of Refuge: three on the east side of the River Jordan and three on the west in the land of Canaan:

• Kedesh (meaning Holiness) in the north
• Hebron (meaning Fellowship) in the south
• Shechem (meaning Support) lay midway
• Bezer (meaning Stronghold) was situated in the flat country
• Ramoth (meaning Exalted) and Golan (meaning Separated) were on elevated ground

The Cities of Refuge

The Cities of Refuge served as places of protection for Israelites, foreigners, and travelling merchants so they could flee there for safety from anyone seeking to avenge a relative’s death.

If someone was accused of manslaughter that wasn’t intentional—say, if they pushed another person without prior hostility— and the person died, the community where it happened had to escort the slayer to the city of refuge.

When the man-slayer reached the city of refuge, he had to plead his case to the elders and, if necessary, before the congregation of Israel.

Only if his innocence was proven could he take refuge there; otherwise, he was delivered to the blood avenger to be slain.

If accepted, he must remain there until the death of the High Priest. While in this city, he is safe. These cities are open day and night, allowing the manslayer to run there at any time.

Jesus, Our Refuge

In the new Covenant, Jesus is our refuge and safety, like the names of the old cities of refuge point us back to Jesus. Jesus is Holy and the spotless Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. We can run to Him for support and as our stronghold.

The book of Hebrews speaks of those “who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18b). The writer refers to those who have come to Jesus.

We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us

Hebrews 6:18 (KJV)

Jesus is our refuge. Just as the cities of refuge could be reached by anyone—Israelites or foreigners—anyone can reach Jesus. Anyone who believes in Him; He is always ready to save us. Don’t delay.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8, KJV

Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:13

As mentioned above, when the manslayer could be judged by the elders within the city, but in Christ, the guilty can find refuge, pardon, and peace; the worst of sinners have found refuge there.

Furthermore, the man-slayer who fled for refuge should stay in that city. If he left the gates at any time, the blood avenger could slay him, and his blood would be upon his own head. He should have remained in the city where he fled.

Likewise, if we are not in Christ, our Refuge, we do so at our own peril.

You don’t have to be pushed to the wall to find your Refuge in Him. God is our Refuge and Strength. We can run to Him with full confidence that He will always save us.

God is our refuge and strength—a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1