Joshua 20
THE CITIES OF REFUGE Six cities were designated as safe zones to which people could flee and find refuge if there was an accidental death or a crime committed that had to be judged by the leaders of the city. These were accessible to all of God’s people although it may call for an urgent journey of quite a few miles to escape from one who was wanting vengeance. These were a place of refuge for anyone who unintentionally killed someone [De.19]. For a man to live in guilt because of ignorance is completely unnecessary. God has made a provision for forgiveness for the unintentional hurt and harm we may have caused others. Confession of our guilt and restoration to God enables us to live free in perfect faith, because our High Priest lives for us as an Advocate on our behalf.
Kedesh (Sanctuary, sanctified), in Galilee: “Place of Discovery.” A new nation needed a new government. God had told Moses how this new government should work. Way in the north, beyond Galilee, was a city up in the hills in the territory allotted to Napthali. “Napthali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns" was the description we read [Gen.49:21]. The name means “Free;” “He utters beautiful words.” It is in such a place we learn to know our self, as Isaiah did when he saw the Lord, Isaiah 6:5. We also discover when we come into the family of God that before we were saved we were by nature without God, without Christ and without hope. Ephesians 2:12. By practice we were far off from Him, but now, by the blood of Christ we have been brought near into this place of safety in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:13.
Shechem (Shoulder), in Mount Ephraim: “Place of Rest.” In the hill country of Ephraim west of the Jordan River near the center of the country was the city of Shechem. The second son of Joseph was placed ahead of his older brother. Joseph was a “fruitful vine near a spring whose branches run over a wall.” He was like a wild colt, beautiful and free grazing on a terraced hill. This was a safe place where anyone coming could easily be seen. There is a rest for the people of God, but the first need we have is rest from sin and its consequences, Matthew 11:28. That is the rest of peace with God, not the rest a lazy person wants. There is also the rest from judgment when we know we are free in Christ and justified so that there, guilt of the past can be replaced with gratitude and thankfulness in the present, Romans 8:1. We have been rescued from the power of Satan and placed into the kingdom of the Son of God's love, Colossians 1:13.
Hebron (Communion), in the mountain of Judah: “Place of Fellowship.” In the hill country of Judah another city sits high up where one who is fleeing for refuge can be safe until his trial is held. Judah is greatly blessed as the kingly tribe who will rule and through whom Messiah will come. The name Judah, means “Praise.” The grace of God has brought us into a place where we can have fellowship with the Father, 1st John.1:3, with the Son, 1st John.1:3, and with one another as believers, Malachi.3:16. Our fellowship is based on our obedience to the Word of God. Its operation depends on the unity of believers and it is maintained by the Holy Spirit.
Bezer (Firmness, stronghold), in the wilderness of the plain: “Place of Strength.” In the desert far to the east in the land of Reuben lies Bezer. All around is the flat plateau of Reuben giving visual sight to any in the city of one running to the city ahead of his pursuers. He could stay within its walls until a fair trial could be held and a public decision made. For us, Christ is the Hiding Place we have from everything that is arrayed against us, Isaiah 32:1. He reigns in righteousness. He rules with justice. He is the shelter from the wind and storm and is the rock in a weary land. Christ, the Rock, is our refuge. Ps.62:7. Christ is the Word who was made flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, John 1:3. He has full knowledge of every situation and every need.
Ramoth (High place), in Gad: “Place of Safety.” The men of Gad were known as a band of raiders, not easily intimidated by any who would try to attack. Any attackers would find the men of Gad would take seriously any who would try to take someone out of Ramoth who had come to that city of refuge without having his case heard and justly judged. We can be well encouraged that it is in the hand of the Lord we are hidden and kept there safely, Isaiah 49:2. Not only that, when we were lost in the wilderness it was on His shoulder we are brought by Him to the fold of safety, Luke 15:5. This safety is sure because it is with His arm we are held in this place of security where those who are avengers cannot claim us, Song of Solomon 2:6.
Golan (Joy), in Bashan (Golan Heights): “Place of Rejoicing.” High above the Sea of Galilee to the east are the heights of Golan in the territory of Manasseh where one who accidentally killed another could flee to find safety. The Levites in charge of these cities were there to ensure the principles of justice and fairness were kept. The Subject of our rejoicing is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in who we have our confidence and in whom we rejoice, Philippians 3:3. In spite of the outward circumstances of our lives, our inner attitude should be one of rejoicing always, Philippians 4:4. If we have lost that joy, we need to again look at the events of our lives from a different perspective and we will find many reasons to continue rejoicing. The progress and growth in grace and faith in the life of a believer produces an abundance of rejoicing, Philippians 1:26.
The gates of the cities of refuge were always open. God Himself set apart those specific cities on His own principles of government so that anyone who entered there was safe. The claims of justice that satisfy God are the ones that count, not our claims. Our security is in Christ. His acceptance by the righteous God is our acceptance. In this way God can be "just and the justifier" of all who believe in Him. In our "city of refuge" we are not merely in a place of safety, but are changed into a new creation. Justice has been maintained; divine righteousness has been satisfied and the gates of mercy are wide open to us as God in great love allows us to be partakers of His grace. The action on our part that makes all of this possible is faith in God through His Word revealing to us His will. Faith made the man-slayer flee to the city of refuge, and faith makes us today flee to Christ.
THE OPEN GATE Justice, government and laws are needed in all the societies of men Without any or all of these, chaos and mayhem would never end. So, who decides what laws are right for a culture to be put in place? If left to man's devices alone there would be no balance between right and grace.
To see a man running hard to a city today, would seem to be strange indeed. The avenger had his rights, as well as the slayer who committed the deed. In order to have a fair hearing the man-slayer was able to run To the nearest of six cities where the judges would hear what he had done.
By fleeing with all speed to the city, he confessed the act had been committed. Judges made decisions based on truth not pity; accidental or deliberate - justice fitted By the evidence and attitude displayed, so the act was determined an accident or crime In the city the slayer stayed in safety, until the matter concluded by the passing of time.
For us Christ is our city of refuge to which we flee from the wrath to come Justice by a righteous God is demanded because death has passed on every one In grace in our city of refuge, justice was done when for us Jesus died There is no reason to leave this fair city, here in Christ, we can safely abide.
"There is therefore now no condemnation," in this place I'm forever secure The avenger of souls cannot enter, the grace shown will forever endure Grace opened the gate wide to me, and in faith I entered inside Now grace maintains me each day, and all the grace I need is supplied.
Like the cities of refuge close by, the grace of God bids me to draw near The one who flees to this safe "city," will find all he needs is right here We are saved from "wrath to come;" we were saved when we called on Christ's name There is no other one who can save us, it is to our Lord Jesus each one came.
In this position in Christ we are safe, and will be eternally Here the grace we needed was extended, with the One who saved us we will ever be Confusion, chaos and revenge, cannot by the avenger come inside these walls The grace-door of the city is open, to whosoever on the Lord Jesus' name calls.
“Father in heaven, I thank Thee for those Thou hast set in our assemblies who are able to pass a wise and impartial decision about matters that have the potential to divide Thy people. Grant to them a spirit of gracious fairness that will serve the people of God in a righteous manner. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”