Numbers 35:13
And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
Original Language Analysis
עָרֵ֥י
And of these cities
H5892
עָרֵ֥י
And of these cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
1 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתֵּ֑נוּ
which ye shall give
H5414
תִּתֵּ֑נוּ
which ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שֵׁשׁ
six
H8337
שֵׁשׁ
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
4 of 8
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
עָרֵ֥י
And of these cities
H5892
עָרֵ֥י
And of these cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Established after Israel's conquest of Canaan (Joshua 20), these cities implemented divine justice balancing punishment with mercy. Three were appointed in Transjordan (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan) and three in Canaan proper (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron)—all Levitical cities ensuring priestly oversight.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ fulfill the typology of the cities of refuge—offering asylum from the 'avenger of blood' (God's justice)?
- What does the accessibility of six strategically-placed cities teach about God's desire that none should perish?
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Analysis & Commentary
Six cities shall ye have for refuge (עָרֵי מִקְלָט, arei miklat)—literally 'cities of absorption' or 'receiving.' These sanctuary cities foreshadow Christ as our refuge from divine justice. The number six (three on each side of Jordan) ensured accessibility from anywhere in Israel—no innocent manslayer should perish for lack of refuge.
The Hebrew root qalat means 'to receive' or 'take in,' picturing God's merciful provision. Like these cities, Christ is accessible to all who flee to Him (Hebrews 6:18: 'we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge')—no geographical, ethnic, or moral barrier prevents the guilty from finding safety in Him.