And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.
God commands that among the Levitical cities, six must be designated as 'cities of refuge' where manslayers could flee for protection from avengers of blood. This merciful provision protected those guilty of accidental homicide from retaliation before their case could be fairly adjudicated. The Hebrew 'miq lat' (מִקְלָט, 'refuge') means 'absorption' or 'receiving,' indicating these cities absorbed fugitives into safety. The requirement for six cities (three on each side of the Jordan, Numbers 35:14) ensured accessibility throughout Israel's territory. The system balanced justice and mercy: intentional murderers received execution (35:16-21), while accidental killers received protection until the high priest's death, after which they could return home safely (35:25). The cities of refuge typologically point to Christ as our refuge from the avenger (divine justice pursuing sin). Believers flee to Christ for protection from wrath we deserve, finding sanctuary through His blood. The high priest's death freeing the manslayer anticipates Christ's death freeing us from sin's bondage and wrath's pursuit. This institution demonstrates God's concern for both justice and mercy, protecting the innocent while punishing the guilty.
Historical Context
The six cities of refuge were formally established after Israel conquered Canaan: Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron west of the Jordan; Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan east of the Jordan (Joshua 20:7-8). These were Levitical cities (Levites lived in 48 cities throughout Israel's territory, Numbers 35:7) strategically located for accessibility. Ancient Near Eastern cultures included similar concepts of sanctuary—certain temples or sacred places could provide temporary refuge—but Israel's system was more developed and legally structured. The requirement that the manslayer stand trial before the congregation (35:12, 24-25) ensured judicial process rather than mob violence or arbitrary sanctuary. The high priest's death serving as a time limit for the manslayer's exile (35:25, 28) was unique to Israel, symbolically representing atonement—the high priest's death covered the blood guilt. Rabbinic tradition held that the high priest's mother would provide food to the cities of refuge so the exiled manslayers wouldn't pray for her son's death. The system functioned throughout Israel's history, demonstrating practical application of justice tempered with mercy.
Questions for Reflection
How do the cities of refuge typologically point to Christ as our refuge from divine justice pursuing our sin?
What does the balance between protecting accidental killers and executing intentional murderers teach about combining justice and mercy?
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands that among the Levitical cities, six must be designated as 'cities of refuge' where manslayers could flee for protection from avengers of blood. This merciful provision protected those guilty of accidental homicide from retaliation before their case could be fairly adjudicated. The Hebrew 'miq lat' (מִקְלָט, 'refuge') means 'absorption' or 'receiving,' indicating these cities absorbed fugitives into safety. The requirement for six cities (three on each side of the Jordan, Numbers 35:14) ensured accessibility throughout Israel's territory. The system balanced justice and mercy: intentional murderers received execution (35:16-21), while accidental killers received protection until the high priest's death, after which they could return home safely (35:25). The cities of refuge typologically point to Christ as our refuge from the avenger (divine justice pursuing sin). Believers flee to Christ for protection from wrath we deserve, finding sanctuary through His blood. The high priest's death freeing the manslayer anticipates Christ's death freeing us from sin's bondage and wrath's pursuit. This institution demonstrates God's concern for both justice and mercy, protecting the innocent while punishing the guilty.