Day 52

Cities of Refuge

Read: Numbers 33-36

The Levites were not to have a separate area for their inheritance as did the other tribes. Rather, they were to be given 48 cities and the surrounding territory to live in. The idea was that scattered among the tribes they would be available to teach the law of God to the people. There is no historical evidence that such a program was practiced; perhaps that was one reason for the downfall of Israel. In contrast, may all in the church, young and old, be involved in Bible study.

Of the Levitical cities, six were to be cities of refuge. We must remember that the Israelites were a primitive people. As with most such people, it was the responsibility of the next of kin to repay anyone who killed a member of the family. But what if the killing was accidental? Here was a provision for such a situation: the killer could flee to the city of refuge. One can picture such a situation, where the killer is running for his life. Oh what relief when he entered the gates of the city of refuge. If, however, the killing was deliberate, the killer was to die. Sincere Christians differ on the question of the death penalty today. Note that in this passage it was considered that for murderers to live caused the land to be polluted.

Though our sin is not accidental and we deserve death for it, still the gospel urges us to flee to Christ to escape the penalty of sin. How this magnifies the grace of God offered to us through the cross of Christ!

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for escape from sin. Amen.