RPG Adults
THE NEED FOR CITIES OF REFUGE
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 17
Joshua 20
Matthew 5:20-22
“…Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be
in danger of the judgment…”
THE NEED FOR CITIES OF REFUGE
All Israel had been settled in their inheritance. It was then necessary to put in place a desirable administrative set-up. This was needful as a means of solving and preventing problems that were common to all nations. One of the things that God commanded was the setting up of cities of refuge. It was anticipated that there would be people guilty of manslaughter. These referred to those who might kill someone accidentally, and in turn, be hunted by another seeking revenge for the dead person. In order to prevent a double death, it was needful to have a place of refuge to secure such lives. God gave a command to the leaders of Israel to set aside six cities of refuge to assist those who might be guilty.
God reminded Joshua to set aside the cities of refuge as he commenced residence in his inheritance. Like Moses, Joshua served as a civil leader as well as a religious leader. The command to set aside the cities of refuge was not new to Joshua. God had already commanded through Moses that these cities were to be identified and set apart for the intended purpose. God told Joshua to appoint these cities as commanded earlier. The original command to Moses is recorded in Numbers 35:6, 11, and 14. Of the six cities that were to be set apart, three would be on the western side of Jordan, and three on the eastern side. The purpose of these cities was to provide refuge for one guilty of manslaughter.
These cities were to be taken from the tribes and given to the Levites. Since they were spiritual ministers and conversant with the Law, they were the right people to judge cases of criminal nature. They would, in their judgment, prescribe a penalty or pardon depending on the facts presented to them. As Israel was so used to war, and their occupation of Canaan was won through a vigorous bloody campaign, their psyche was characterised by the shedding of blood. Thus, there was a need for these cities of refuge.
THOUGHT: A godly nation needs just laws in place for good order.
PRAYER: Father, may I appreciate the just laws of my nation.