OVERVIEW:
The remaining lots are divided among the tribes of Israel; the cities of refuge are designated; the 48 cities are given to the Levites from among the other tribe’s inheritance.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
As we begin chapter 19 today, Simeon is given his inheritance from within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 19:1, 9) This action actually fulfilled Jacob’s deathbed prophecy in Genesis 49:7, when he said, “I will divide them (Simeon and Levi) in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.” This was the direct result of their over-the-top anger and wrath that was meted out by murdering in cold blood every male in the city of Shechem after the king’s son had defiled Dinah, their sister. Once again, we are reminded of the biblical principle that sin bears great consequences, even when forgiveness has been granted. (Galatians 6:7–8) How many of God’s people throughout history have suffered life-altering consequences because of the momentary lapse of reason caused by the uncontrolled passions of anger, wrath and/or lust. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Don’t sacrifice the PERMANENT on the altar of the TEMPORARY.” May God help us!
In chapter 20, God appoints six cities to be a place of refuge for those who innocently killed somebody, meaning that it was the result of an accident, or unintentional, not a premeditated act. In the city of refuge, they were protected from the “avenger of blood” by the elders of the city, until the death of the high priest. Upon his death, they were free.
Once again, God has taken out His paintbrush and is painting an absolute masterpiece of His Son and the incredible refuge we have found “in Him!”
The Cities of Refuge:
- They were appointed for those who were guilty of shedding innocent blood.
- They were appointed to protect from the “avenger of blood.”
- A refugee was safe if they stayed in the city.
- Only the death of the high priest set them free.
- These cities were always readily accessible to all.
- Knowing they existed wasn’t enough to protect a person. You had to flee to them.
- One seeking refuge had to leave everything (family, friends, possessions, etc.) to come to the city.
- The cities of refuge were the responsibility of the Levites. (Numbers 35:6)
The Lord Jesus Christ:
- We were all responsible for shedding Christ’s innocent blood. (1st Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4–12)
- By turning to Christ as our Refuge, we are protected from the true “avenger of blood”, God the Father. (See Deuteronomy 32:35, 43)
- Those who have found refuge “in Christ” are safe and secure. (Romans 8:31–39)
- It is only through the death of our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6:20), that we can be made free indeed from the penalty of our sin. (John 8:36)
- Jesus is accessible to anyone, at any time. (Romans 10:13; 2nd Peter 3:9)
- Just knowing what Jesus did and who He is doesn’t save a person. One must flee to Him and trust Him with their life. (Ephesians 1:12–13)
- One must be willing to forsake family, friends, and possessions to come to Jesus. (Matthew 10:34–39; Luke 18:22)
- As New Testament priests (Revelation 1:6), it is now our responsibility to lead others to the only true Refuge, the Lord Jesus Christ. (2nd Corinthians 5:18
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As the CITIES OF REFUGE — Joshua 20 (See Psalm 46:1)