The Cities of Refuge: A Picture of God's Grace

Among the many fascinating and instructive institutions God ordained for ancient Israel, the Cities of Refuge stand out as a profound illustration of His divine character. While seemingly a provision for justice, a deeper examination reveals them to be a vivid testament to God's boundless grace, offering hope and protection to those in desperate need. Established by divine command, these cities were not merely legal provisions but served as a powerful type, foreshadowing the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ.

The Divine Mandate and Purpose

The concept of the Cities of Refuge was first introduced by God through Moses in the book of Numbers, then reiterated in Deuteronomy and brought to fruition in Joshua. The purpose was clear: to distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental homicide, and to provide a sanctuary for the latter. In a society where the "avenger of blood" (the next of kin, or goel haddam) had the right and duty to avenge a slain relative, an accidental killer faced immediate and mortal danger.

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person unawares.

Numbers 35:10-11

God's law strictly condemned the shedding of innocent blood, declaring that it defiled the land (Numbers 35:33). However, God, being rich in mercy, also understood the distinction between malice and accident. The Cities of Refuge provided a necessary balance, ensuring that justice was served while mercy was extended. The slayer who killed "unawares" or "at unawares" (Deuteronomy 19:4) could flee to one of these designated cities, escaping the immediate wrath of the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be held at the city gate.

The Specifics of the Cities

God commanded that six cities be set apart for this purpose: three on the west side of the Jordan and three on the east. Joshua oversaw their establishment after Israel entered Canaan.

  • West of Jordan:
  • East of Jordan:
    • Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain of the Reubenites (Joshua 20:8)
    • Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites (Joshua 20:8)
    • Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites (Joshua 20:8)

These cities were strategically located to be accessible from all parts of the land. Jewish tradition states that the roads leading to them were kept in good repair and clearly marked with signs pointing the way, ensuring that no time was lost in reaching safety. Upon arrival, the manslayer would declare his cause to the elders at the gate of the city. If his plea of unintentional killing was deemed credible, he was admitted and protected. However, he was not free to leave. He had to remain within the city's boundaries until the death of the reigning high priest.

And he shall abide in that city, until the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil: but after the death of the high priest, the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

Numbers 35:25

This final provision—the death of the high priest—is particularly significant, as it provides a powerful link to the ultimate picture of grace.

A Picture of God's Grace

The Cities of Refuge beautifully illustrate several facets of God's grace:

  • Grace in Divine Provision: The very existence of these cities was not a human invention but a direct command from God. He, in His wisdom and mercy, foresaw the need and provided the solution. This mirrors God's initiation of salvation for mankind; we did not seek Him, but He sought us (John 3:16).
  • Grace in Accessibility: The cities were open to all who needed them, regardless of social standing or tribal affiliation, so long as they were within the covenant (Numbers 35:15). The roads were kept clear and marked, ensuring that the way to refuge was plain and unobstructed. This speaks to the freeness of God's grace, available to all who will come to Him.
  • Grace in Protection: Once inside the city, the manslayer was safe from the avenger. The city walls and the legal framework provided a secure haven. This highlights God's protective nature; when we take refuge in Him, we are safe from the wrath and condemnation due to our sin.
  • Grace in Redemption and Freedom: The most profound aspect of grace is seen in the release of the manslayer upon the death of the high priest. This was an act of pure grace; the manslayer had done nothing to earn his freedom, yet it was granted through the death of another. This provision foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided through the death of our Great High Priest.

    • Christ Our Refuge

    The Cities of Refuge serve as a profound Old Testament type of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate refuge for a fallen humanity. Just as the manslayer faced certain death from the avenger of blood, so too does every human being face the righteous judgment of God for sin. The Bible declares, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). We are all, in a spiritual sense, "manslayers," guilty before a holy God and pursued by the divine "avenger of blood"—His just wrath against sin.

    But God, in His infinite grace, has provided a refuge: His Son, Jesus Christ. He is our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Like the Cities of Refuge, Christ is:

    • Divinely Appointed: God Himself provided Christ as the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).
    • Accessible: The way to Christ is open and clear. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). There are no barriers, no hidden paths, only the invitation to flee to Him by faith.
    • Protective: When we flee to Christ, we are safe from the condemnation of the law and the wrath of God. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). He is our shelter from the storm (Isaiah 25:4).

    Most powerfully, the death of the high priest in the Old Testament system finds its glorious fulfillment in the death of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. His sacrifice on the cross was not an accidental death but a deliberate, substitutionary act of infinite worth. By His death, He paid the penalty for our sins, fulfilling the demands of God's justice and securing our eternal freedom.

    That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

    Hebrews 6:18

    We are not saved by our works, but "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our spiritual freedom, our release from the penalty of sin, comes solely through the death of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. His death is the ultimate act of grace, setting us free to live in the "land of our possession"—the spiritual inheritance of eternal life and fellowship with God.

    Conclusion

    The Cities of Refuge stand as a timeless reminder of God's perfect blend of justice and mercy. They point us directly to the Person and work of Jesus Christ, who is our true and eternal City of Refuge. In Him, we find not temporary sanctuary, but everlasting salvation. Have you fled to this divine refuge? Have you laid hold upon the hope set before you in Christ? For those who have, there is perfect safety, complete redemption, and the glorious freedom that comes only through the death of our Great High Priest, a freedom secured by God's amazing and abundant grace.