1.
The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,
2.
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
3.
That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
4.
And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
5.
And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
6.
And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
7.
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
8.
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.
9.
These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.
Ver. 9. These were the cities appointed, &c.— It is to be observed, that the six cities of refuge were given as a portion to the Levites. See the following chapter. So that those who were unhappily forced to retire thither, met with persons there whose authority could screen them from violence, whose wisdom could direct their proceedings, and whose piety might be useful to them in a variety of instances, during the stay they were obliged to make there till the death of the high-priest.
REFLECTIONS.—1. The cities of refuge were a common blessing for every Israelite, whose unhappy lot it might be to need their protection; and therefore it was every man's interest to have this provision made as soon as they had settled the division of the land. Note; The Gospel has provided for sinners, in Christ Jesus, a surer refuge from the avenging wrath of God; the soul that flies thither shall not only be freed from fear of death, but be refreshed with the consolations of the divine favour and love. 2. The three cities on the other side Jordan, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan, had been appointed by Moses. These on this side Jordan, were Kedesh in Naphtali, Hebron in Judah, and Shechem in Ephraim; and they were so situated, as to stand at the most convenient distances, that all the tribes might be near one or other of them. Note; Salvation is near, and Jesus a very present help to all who call upon him. These were all Levite cities, where, if the poor banished manslayer was cut off from his friends and relations, he had the best of company, and peculiar opportunities of spiritual improvement. Note; It will reconcile us to every providential change of situation, to think more of the mercies we enjoy than of the comforts we lose. The names of these cities are very significative; Kedesh, holiness; Shechem, a shoulder; Hebron, fellowship; Bezer, a fortress; Ramoth, high; and Golan, joy. Thus, in the perfection of our Redeemer's merits, lies the security of the sinner's hope; on his shoulder the government is laid, so that no enemy can hurt us; the sweetest communion is that which can be enjoyed through faith in him; his arms of love are a strong-hold, and his exaltation is the pledge of our own; for he shall bring all who have fled to him for refuge, and cleave to him, to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads.