Joshua 20

Chap. XX. Ver. 1—9. The six cities of refuge finally appointed.—The nature and design of these cities have been already considered, both politically and typically ((Numbers 35)); but this chapter furnishes some other points of information. By ver. 4. it appears, that when the manslayer arrived at the city of refuge, he passed a kind of trial before he was taken under the protection of the elders; and even afterwards, when the avenger of blood arrived, he was to stand before the congregation, who were to judge whether the fact committed were intentional or accidental, and in the latter case only was he to be protected. These regulations were certainly well calculated to prevent those abuses which have arisen from sanctuaries in other countries.

Another circumstance worthy of observation is, that all the cities of refuge were cities of the Levites, so that though the unhappy manslayer was prevented from going to the tabernacle, he would there receive all the instruction and consolation which it was the peculiar duty of that tribe to administer. On the typical meaning of these cities of refuge, not to repeat our former remarks, we abridge the following hints from the good Matthew Henry, (on (Numbers 35)) who remarks, that there is a great deal of good gospel couched under this type, to which the apostle to the Hebrews alludes, (Joshua 6:18). when he speaks of New Testament believers as having “fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before them in the 1.

These cities were so distributed in the country, that manslayers from every tribe had a ready and speedy access to them—so the means of salvation are “nigh unto us,” and “now is the accepted time.” 2. The refugee was safe, not only in any one of those cities, but even the suburbs pertaining to it—“There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” 3. Not only native Israelites, but strangers and sojourners, and even the sons of strangers, had the benefit of their protection. Jews and Gentiles are “all one in Christ Jesus.” 4. Though perfectly safe within its limits, if the culprit ever deserted these to return home, he lost all the benefit of protection, and was exposed to the avenger of blood wherever he might meet him.

We must not only “fly to Christ,” but “abide in Christ,” to derive the benefits of the redemption from him. Apostacy is the road to perdition. “If any man draw back, (says the Lord,) my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:31).