Six cities assigned to the Levites were appointed as cities of refuge, “that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally may flee there. They shall be cities of refuge ..., that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation in judgment.” (Numbers 35:11, 12). This merciful provision was necessary because responsibility to punish the murderer fell to the nearest relative or the next heir of the one killed. In cases where guilt was clearly evident, it was not necessary to wait for a trial by magistrates. The avenger might pursue the criminal and put him to death wherever he could be found. The Lord did not abolish this custom but made provision to ensure the safety of those who took life accidentally.
The cities of refuge could be reached within half a day from every part of the land. The roads leading to them were always kept in good repair. Signposts were erected bearing the word Refuge in plain, bold characters, so that the person fleeing might not be delayed for a moment. Any person—Hebrew, stranger, or temporary resident—might use this provision. The killer was to be tried fairly by proper authorities, and only when found innocent of intentional murder was the fugitive protected in the city of refuge. The guilty were given over to the avenger. When the high priest died, however, all who had taken shelter in the cities of refuge were free to return home.
In a trial for murder, the accused was not to be condemned on the testimony of one witness, even though circumstantial evidence of guilt might be strong. “Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty.” (Numbers 35:30). It was Christ who gave Moses these directions for Israel, and when He was personally on earth the Great Teacher repeated the lesson that one person’s testimony is not to release or condemn. One person’s opinions are not to settle disputed questions. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16).
No atonement or ransom could rescue a person proved guilty of murder. “You shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall be surely put to death.” “No atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.” (Numbers 35:31, 33). The safety and purity of the nation demanded that the sin of murder be severely punished.
The cities of refuge were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. By shedding His own blood the Savior has provided a safe place for the transgressors of God’s law. They may flee there for safety from the second death. No power can take the souls who go to Him for pardon out of His hands.
A person who fled to the city of refuge could not afford delay. There was no time to say goodbye to loved ones. Fatigue was forgotten, difficulties were ignored. The fugitive dared not slow down until safely within the city.
Just as lingering and carelessness might rob fugitives of their only chance for life, so delays and lack of concern may result in the ruin of the soul. Satan, the great adversary, is pursuing every transgressor of God’s holy law, and everyone who does not earnestly seek shelter in the eternal refuge will become a prey to the destroyer.
The prisoner who went outside the city of refuge at any time was fair game for the avenger of blood. So today, it is not enough that sinners believe in Christ for pardon of sin—by faith and obedience, they must abide in Him.
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