More Refuge

Deuteronomy 19:7–10 (ESV) Therefore I command you, You shall set apart three cities. 8 And if the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives you all the land that he promised to give to your fathers— 9 provided you are careful to keep all this commandment, which I command you today, by loving the Lord your God and by walking ever in his ways—then you shall add three other cities to these three, 10 lest innocent blood be shed in your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance, and so the guilt of bloodshed be upon you.

I have already spoken about the cities of refuge mentioned in Numbers 35 and how they serve as a type of Christ for sinners to avoid the wrath of sin and how at the death of the high priest, the man slayer might return home. So too in Christ, we have the right to return home since our high priest has died for us.

Here in Deuteronomy God gives Moses an additional command concerning the cities. Remember that Deuteronomy is a further interpretation of the original laws of God from Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Note that God commands them to add more cities of refuge should their land increase in size. This has spiritual meaning for us even today. 

First, we learn that God's desire is to save those who are guilty and appropriate justice to those who are vengeful. He is merciful. Israel was to exercise extreme caution when meeting out the punishments for crimes. Other nations may have been hasty in administering justice. Israel was to be diligent, patient and well organized concerning such important matters. Again, our American justice system is built on these laws whether we believe in God or not. There is a difference between man slaughter and murder... the origin of that difference is found here.

Second, we learn that God wants to make sure the guilty have a place to run to no matter how large Israel may get. Should they grow to the extent of their borders, more cities are to be established. This stipulation is given further reason here in Deuteronomy 19:


Deuteronomy 19:6 (ESV) lest the avenger of blood in hot anger pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him fatally, though the man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past.

In other words, God did not want these safe places for the guilty to be too far because God knew that a thirst for retribution would drive the avenger faster and harder than the guilty. God gives this provision with complete concern for the wrong doer. The Lord knows the weight of guilt would be heavy on such a person. He also knows that keeping refuge close to people is important for a healthy society. Let's face it, we all need a place to run to when we are guilt ridden. Today, that refuge is the local church, a people who welcome wrong doers every week and give them opportunity to find mercy before the judgment comes on the Day of the Lord.

Finally, it is a most important facet of this law that REFUGE and PEACE are offered the wrong doer before any judgment is handed out. Yes, if justice requires punishment, it will be met, but first there will be opportunity for the accused to find peace. Herein lies the greatest truth about the Christian faith. We were all guilty and worthy of death. But God FIRST gives us mercy, a chance to turn to Him and be at peace. We also have a far better provision than temporary refuge from justice should we turn to Christ - we have eternal refuge. It is not fair, it is gracious. It is kind. 

It is the Lord our God who seeks to save the wrong doer, and bring Him refuge. And we need more of it than ever before. 

Amen.