In the Old Testament, God established Cities of Refuge as safe places for people who accidentally killed someone. According to the Bible “Now among the cities which you will give to the Levites you shall appoint six cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. And to these you shall add forty-two cities”[1]. These cities were places where the accused could flee to and be protected from the vengeance. The Cities of Refuge were established to prevent blood feuds and to ensure that justice was served fairly.
There are several gospel implications we can draw from the concept of Cities of Refuge. Firstly, these cities provide a picture of God’s mercy and grace. Just as the Cities of Refuge provided a place of safety and protection for those who had unintentionally caused harm, so too does God offer us a place of refuge and safety through Jesus Christ. In Christ, we have a safe haven from the consequences of our sin.
Second, the Cities of Refuge likewise emphasize the value of forgiveness and the necessity of justice. The City of Refuge offered a different means of ensuring that justice was done while the avenger of blood tried to exact revenge for the harm done to their family member. Similar to this, Jesus Christ offers forgiveness to those who put their faith in him while simultaneously providing a means for justice to be carried out through his death on the cross. Briefly, the concept of Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament provides a powerful illustration of God’s mercy and grace, the need for justice, and the importance of forgiveness in the gospel message.
[1] New King James Version Numbers 35