A Place To Run To

A Place to Run To

Q: If someone accidentally killed another person, he could flee to

• a. a city of refuge.
• b. the Tabernacle.
• c. the Levites.

In Old Testament times there were certain cities that were designated as cities of refuge, which were located on high land so they could be seen. The gates were always open. People could go to these cities to be safe.

If someone accidentally killed another person, he could flee to a city of refuge to escape revenge from the deceased’s family or friends. The person who fled there was only safe within the city, and he had to stay in the city until the high priest died. Then he could leave the city, and no one could harm him to avenge the death.

The death of the high priest symbolized someone dying in place of the one who had killed another. The death of the high priest set anyone living in a city of refuge free. That might mean a person could be there many years, or only a few, depending on when the high priest died.

Jesus is like the high priest of the Old Testament, but he’s better because he never dies. Hebrews 7:23-25 says, “There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Everyone is born with a sin nature, so everyone is in need of a Savior. The cities of refuge were for those who had accidentally committed a murder, but God’s salvation through Jesus is for everyone.

For You

The salvation Jesus offers to sinners is forever. Have you accepted his salvation?

Answer: a

The LORD said to Joshua, “Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses. Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to one of these cities; they will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed.”   Joshua 20:1-3

(The Whole Story: Joshua 20)