What were cities of refuge in the Old Testament?

from the old testament

• Cities of refuge were places to which people accused of murder could flee to be protected until the time of their trial (Numbers 35:12).
• Since the time of Noah, God required that anyone who committed murder be put to death (Genesis 9:6).
• The Mosaic law was instituted in a time when Israel was transitioning from a nomadic community with tribal law to a more settled community with civil law. This civil law would include the use of trials and judges. Cities of refuge were designated to provide a person who had unintentionally killed someone a place to flee and be protected from family members of the victim ("avengers of blood") who may have wanted to kill them while awaiting their trial. If the killer was found guilty of intentional murder, he would be put to death by the avenger as prescribed in Exodus 21:14 and Numbers 35:16–21. However, if the trial proved that the death had been unintentional (manslaughter rather than murder), the killer would be free to live out his days in the city of refuge and would only be safe to return to his home city when the high priest died and general immunity was granted to everyone (Numbers 35:25).
• When the tribes of Israel came into the Promised Land, God divided the land among them, with the exception of one tribe that did not receive a territory—the Levites. The Levites were to be priests and act as mediators between the Israelites and God, so they were given forty-eight cities throughout the Promised Land within all the other tribes' territories (Numbers 35:7–8). The cities of refuge were six of those forty-eight Levite cities. From north to south they were: Kedesh, Golan, Ramoth, Shechem, Bezer, and Hebron (Joshua 20:7–8). Because the Levites were the God-appointed mediators in Israel's relationship with Him, they were particularly equipped to be mediators in these legal matters and to protect those who sought refuge.
• Psalm 34:22 says, "The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." The cities of refuge and verses like these reveal that we find refuge in God.

from the new testament

• The cities of refuge foreshadowed God's plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. As we recognize our guilt, we flee to Jesus as a refuge. Turning to God and taking refuge in Him for forgiveness of our sins is what gives us freedom from the threat of eternal death. Second Corinthians 5:19 and 21 say, "In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them… so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus' work on the cross allows us to be protected from the threat of eternal death if we take refuge in Him.

implications for today

The cities of refuge in the Old Testament serve as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and willingness to protect those who have made mistakes. This illustrates that no matter the weight of our past mistakes, we can come to God, seeking His forgiveness and refuge. Like the individuals who fled to these cities, anyone can turn to Jesus as their ultimate refuge. When overwhelmed by guilt or shame, we can find peace in knowing that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means our sins are not counted against us if we have trusted in Him. After salvation, when we sin, we can run to Him, knowing that He has what is best for us (1 John 1:8—2:6). This encourages us to lay down our burdens at His feet, trusting that He welcomes all who come to Him in faith with open arms. First Peter 5:7 tells us: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV). Living in His refuge allows us to recognize our sin and move forward with confidence and hope, continually reminded of the abundant grace available through Christ. Experiencing this refuge inspires us to share the message of hope and forgiveness with others, showing them the same compassion and grace that God has shown.