Numbers 35:11
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Six cities were designated (three on each side of the Jordan): Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (western); Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (eastern). All were Levitical cities, ensuring priestly oversight of justice. The roads to these cities were maintained and marked so fleeing manslayers could easily find them. Jewish tradition says signposts reading 'Refuge' pointed the way. Archaeological identification of these cities shows they were strategically located for accessibility. The manslayer remained in the refuge city until the high priest's death (Numbers 35:25), when he could return home—the high priest's death providing atonement for bloodshed. Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite laws) also addressed homicide but lacked Israel's sophisticated distinction between intentional and accidental killing. The cities functioned throughout Israel's history until the exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy in dealing with guilt?
- In what ways does Christ fulfill the typology of the refuge city as our place of safety from judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye shall appoint you cities of refuge, that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.' These cities demonstrate God's justice distinguishing intentional murder from accidental killing. The Hebrew 'ratsach' (רָצַח, manslayer) refers to unlawful killing, while the phrase 'at unawares' (bishgagah, בִּשְׁגָגָה) means unintentionally or accidentally. The cities of refuge protected the unintentional killer from the 'avenger of blood' (goel hadam, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם), the victim's relative responsible for blood vengeance. This system balanced justice (life for life) with mercy (protection for the innocent). The cities had to be accessible from anywhere in Israel, showing God provides refuge for those who flee to Him. This typifies Christ our refuge from sin's judgment—those who flee to Him find safety. Hebrews 6:18 applies this imagery: we who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.