Helpless But Not Hopeless

Today's Bible Reading For Friday 26 February 10:
Numbers 35
Numbers 36

Thought For Today “Cities Of Refuge”

Numbers 35:1-34

IN the early history of the world, provision was made for the punishment of the murderer. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed," was the decree of Jehovah. (Gen. 9:6)

The one nearest of kin to the murdered man, usually executed the murderer; but lest in the excitement of the occasion undue haste should be exercised and individuals be slain who did not deserve death, God made provision that the murderer might flee and lay hold upon His altar. None could be taken from the altar without an examination, and if it was found that the murderer had presumptuously planned to kill the man, then he was taken from the altar and slain; otherwise his life was spared. (Ex. 21:13,14)

After the children of Israel entered the promised land, six cities were set apart as cities of refuge. These were conveniently located, three on each side of the river Jordan. (Joshua 20:2,7,8) The roads leading to these cities were always to be kept in good repair, that the one fleeing before the avenger of blood might not be hindered in his flight. (Duet. 19:3) The cities were on elevated ground, and could be seen at a distance.

When the murderer reached the gate of the city of refuge, he declared "his cause in the ears of the eiders of that city," before he was given a place within. (Joshua 20:3-6) His case was also tried by the judges of the city near where the murder was committed, and if it was not a premeditated murder, but the deed had been done accidentally or unintentionally, then the guilty man was restored again to the city of refuge whither he had fled. (Num. 35:12,24,25)

The Saviour refers to this judgment in Matt. 5:21. If at any time the slayer passed outside of the limit of his city of refuge, his life could be taken by the avenger of blood, "because he should have remained in the city of his refuge." (Num. 35:26-27) The decree was, "He shall dwell in that city, . . . until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days:then shall the slayer return . . . unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled." (Joshua 20:6)

The cities of refuge served as a protection for only those who had slain a person without enmity. The cities of refuge were cities belonging to the Levites, thus those confined within were under the best influence. They were associated with the religious teachers of Israel, and had every opportunity to reform their lives and establish righteous characters.
The instruction in regard to the cities of refuge was but a part of the great system of Levitical laws and ceremonies which taught the simple truths of the gospel of Christ.
Every time an Israelite looked upon one of the cities of refuge, God designed he should be reminded of Christ, the "tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion," (Micah 4:8) to whom every sin-burdened soul could flee for shelter.

Satan, the accuser, is upon the track of every one; he as "a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) But the person who forsakes sin and seeks righteousness stands securely sheltered by the atoning blood of Christ. (Ex. 12:13; 1 John 1:7-9)

Solomon, who was beset by temptations and sin, understood this when he wrote, "The name of the Lord is a STRONG TOWER, the righteous runneth into it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10) David knew what it was to dwell in the antitypical city of refuge when he said: "I will say of the Lord, He is my REFUGE and my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust." (Ps. 91:2)

There could be no delay in seeking a city of refuge. As soon as the murder was committed, the murderer must flee at once; no family ties could hold him; his life depended upon his speedy flight to the city. O that all might learn the lesson, and instead of delaying and trying to quiet our accusing conscience, when we know we have sinned, flee at once to Christ, confess our sins, and dwell in the refuge Christ has prepared. He has made ample provision that all may "have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us." (Heb. 6:18)

Thanks be to God! There’s help and hope for the helpless.