S.  Designation of the cities of refuge (chapter 20).

1.       The purpose of designating the cities of refuge.

 a.      Designation of the cities of refuge is one of the special aspects of the law of the Israelites. There is none other in the world.

 b.      The true God told Moses to designate cities of refuge after entering Canaan (Num 35:9). Moses initially set aside three cities east of the Jordan (Deut 4:41-43). After that, Joshua set aside three cities west of Jordan. After Israelites entered Canaan, God instructed Joshua again to designate the cities of refuge (Josh 20:1, 2).

 c.      The designation of the cities of refuge is to protect anyone who unintentionally kills a person. Those who unintentionally kill a person may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. The elders in cities will enquire and judge them. They will get protection if they unintentionally kill a person; or else they will be judged.

 d.      The rules of the cities of refuge (Num 35:9-28).

(a)     The distance between each city of refuge is very near and very easy to enter.

(b)     Repair the road that leads to a city of refuge and with road indication, he can be lead to the nearest of city of refuge.

(c)     He can’t go out of the city until the death of the high priest. Then, he can get freedom. 

(d)     Cities of refuge belong to the cities of the tribe of Levi. There are some priests that will judge the people.

2.       The prefigurations of the cities of refuge.

 a.      Cities of refuge prefigure the salvation of Christ so that sinner can rely on Him through His precious blood to atone sin. They shall be saved from God’s wrath and enjoy the peace in Christ (Heb 6:18; Rom 5:9-11; Jn 14:27).

 b.      One can’t go out of the cities. This prefigures that we can’t leave that place after we have entered the holy city (i.e. the church of God).

 c.      Waiting until the death of the high priest, people who stay in the cities of refuge can go back to their own home in the town. This prefigures the death of Jesus Christ, which enables us to get freedom (Heb 2:14, 15).

 d.      Cities of refuge are generally located nearby with clear road indications and easy to enter. Similarly, churches are generally located around neighborhoods and should be free of all sorts of hindrances in order for people to receive the benefits of the Gospel.

 e.      Cities of refuge provide protection for both Israelites and foreigners living among them (9). The grace of the Lord bestowed upon everyone, neither distinguished by race, level, nor status or gender (Gal 3:26-29).

·         The abundant grace of Christ can be observed through the institution of the cities of refuge (Ezek 2:17; Eph 1:17-19).

3.       The meaning behind the names of the six cities of refuge:

 f.       Kadesh: In original text it means “holy.” Our Lord is the most honorable and most high. Hallowed be His name (Mt 6:9; Phil 2: 9-11). He is the high priest who is holy and without blemish, far from sinners and above everything under heaven.

 g.      Shechem: In original text it means “shoulder.” The Lord Jesus knelt on the cross, took up our infirmities, and carried our sorrows (Isa 53:4; 1 Pet 2: 24). All who are weary and burdened can come to Him and He will give them rest (Mt 11:28; 1 Pet 5:7).

 h.      Hebron: In original text it means “of same covenant, companion, and unity.” The Lord saved us through His precious blood so that we are able to unite with Him and become one body. Subsequently, we need to have an intimate friendship with Him (Jn 15:14, 15, 17:20, 21; 1 Cor 6:17; Prov 18:24).

 i.        Bezer: In original text it means “healthy, strong, and filled with strength.” The Lord is the almighty, eternal rock, and strong reliance. Those who believe and rely in Him will not be ashamed (Ps 46:1; Isa 26:1-4; Heb 4:14-16).

 j.        Ramoth: In original text it means “higher ground, exalted.” The angel told Mary that she will be with child and give birth to a Savior. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:30-32). The Lord Jesus was called by others as Son of the Most High God (Mk 5:7), and hosanna in the highest (Mt 21:8-10).

 k.      Golan: In original text it means “their captivity,” “their joy,” and “surrounding, environment,” etc. This can prefigure that the Lord was brought to the slaughter for the sake of our sin. Thus, we are free from the bondage of sin and are able to enjoy the joy of the Holy Spirit (cf. Isa 51:7; Gal 5:1; Rom 14:7, 15:13). Apart from that, this also means that the Lord always surround us with His grace encamps around us to deliver us (Job 1:10; Ps 3:3, 34:7; Job 16:33).