Six Cities of Refuge

Joshua 20:1–9
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The Lord had instructed Moses to set aside six cities as sanctuaries in the land of Canaan (Numbers 35:6). They were situated in such a way as to be readily accessib­le. Highways leading to them were kept in good repair and the crossroads were well marked with signposts reading “Refuge! Refuge!” These six “cities of refuge” were needed because society in that day had no police force to investigate crimes. Joshua set apart three cities of refuge on each side of the Jordan River (vv. 7-8). In the ancient world, blood revenge was widely practiced. When a person was killed, his nearest relative took responsibility for vengeance. When a person acci­dentally killed someone else he could flee to the nearest city of refugewhere he would be protected from his avenger until his trial could be held (vv. 4-5). Upon his acquittal and the death of the high priest then in office, he could return in safety to his own town.

We need to keep in mind that a clear distinction is made in the Old Testament between premeditated murder and accidental manslaughter (Num. 35:11-16). These cities of refuge were only a refuge for those who had killed someone accidentally. Arriving at the gate of a city of refuge, the manslayer had to present his case to the elders of the city (Deut. 21:19; 22:15) who would make a provisional decision before he would be granted asylum. Then later he would stand trial, preferably before representatives of the community nearest the scene of the killing. To be near the city of refuge would not protect you from the avenger. You had to be within the city of refuge to be protected. This is true of a person today when it comes to salvation. If we believe in Christ, He is our refuge, and we are in Him. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). To be in a good church, or a certain family, or a particular denomination is not good enough. We must be in Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). 

Application

“God is our (my) refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). 

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust” (Psa. 91:2).