Cities of Refuge
Read Numbers 35:6, 9–12. What is being established here and why?
At this time in ancient Israel no system of justice operated. If a man accidentally or on purpose killed a man, the victim’s nearest of kin became his “avenger of blood” (Deut. 19:12) to execute justice. To prevent a miscarriage of justice, a system of six Levitical cities (three on each side of the Jordon) were appointed to which the murderer could flee for safety (Josh. 20:1–7).
Numbers 35:12, though, brings out an important point. Fleeing to the city automatically didn’t guarantee permanent asylum. In some cases it would be a temporary refuge “until he stands before the congregation in judgement” (NKJV). That is, until the facts of the case could be established. These cities did not provide some kind of permanent diplomatic immunity, in which today a diplomat can commit a crime in a host country and get away with it. In this case, these cities were set up in order to prevent what could be a miscarriage of justice.
Read Numbers 35:9–21. How do we understand this form of justice in light of the gospel?
Some people don’t understand how something like this could be reconciled with Bible texts about forgiveness or turning the other cheek. But what we are dealing with here is a criminal code. The gospel of forgiveness and grace, as taught by Christ, doesn’t mean that crime, especially something as heinous as murder, goes unpunished by society. That a killer might even repent before God is, really, a different matter. What society can function if crime is not punished? What we see here is God’s way of making sure that one of the worst crimes, that of murder, is dealt with in a fair and just manner.
| Suppose you know someone whose family member has been murdered, and the accused, unquestionably guilty, is convicted. The family, who are Christians, can have a say in the sentence, either death or life in prison. What would you advise them and why? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath. |
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