God made a very special provision in Numbers 35 – the cities of refuge.
[Read Num 35:6-15, Deut 19:1-10]
When the Israelites finally settle in the land of Canaan, every tribe was allotted a piece of land, generally according to the size of their tribe.
• Except the Levites. They are not given land because they are called to be priests and overseers of the Tabernacle and the sacrifices.
• God specifically allocated 48 cities for them to dwell in, spread throughout the land.
This was not an afterthought. God planned for it and gave clear instructions to Moses, so that the needs of the Levites are met.
• You don’t have to worry that God missed you out. Jesus says don’t worry because our heavenly Father knows what we need.
• We’ve learnt over the past few months from these books that God has a plan.
• Nothing that happens was an afterthought. God plans right down to the details. And His plan is perfect, practical, and purposeful.
Among the 48 cities dedicated for the Levites, God says SIX are to be designated as CITIES OF REFUGE.
• They are assigned only for one need – to save the one who killed someone accidentally; someone who make a mistake not deserving of a death penalty.
• It’s about manslaughter, not murder. God addresses murder in 35:16-21. The one who kill with malice and intent will face judgement.
For the one who kill someone accidentally and unintentionally, God provides them a place of refuge.
• If they can run to these cities, they will be protected from the avenger (35:12). They can at least have a proper trial.
• The assembly (elders and Levites) would judge to find out if indeed it was an accident and the man acted unintentionally.
God grants them mercy and provides them a way out.
WHY THE LEVITE CITIES
These sanctuaries are located among the cities of the Levites because the Levites, as priests, are authoritative figures and recognised as impartial judges.
• The Levites act as the mediators between the attacker and the victim’s family or any avenger.
• They can ensure no further bloodshed would happen.
WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED
God asked for 3 of the cities on East side of river Jordan and the other 3 in the land of Canaan, because two and a half tribes were assigned land on the East of Jordan.
• In Joshua 20:7-8 you can read the selection of these 6 cities. They are all spread out throughout the land, well spaced-out across all the tribes.
• They were chosen so that wherever you are in Israel, you are not very far from one of them. They are all within reach.
WHO CAN BE PROTECTED
Who can be protected? Anyone. Num 35:15 says Israelites, aliens or any other people living among them.
• God’s justice applied to all, it’s impartial. If it’s only provided for the Israelites, then it’s favouritism.
• No matter WHO you are or WHERE you stay, you can run to one and be protected.
And Deut 19:2 tells us that PROPER ROADS are to be built and maintained to these cities of refuge.
• God wants nothing to hinder or delay the person from reaching these cities. People who needs help gets it.
• Everything was done so the man in trouble can find safety! That’s God’s plan!
I was reminded of this song by Hillsongs: SO YOU WOULD COME. “Before the world began You were on His mind; And every tear you cry, is precious in His eyes; Because of His great love, He gave His only Son; Everything was done, so you would come!”
God shows him mercy and provides a way out for the man in trouble.
• The cities of refuge wasn’t man’s idea; it was birthed in God’s heart. God is merciful.
• It wasn’t an afterthought. It was planned out and prepared for, even BEFORE Israel took possession of the land.
God cares for you. Everything is provided for so that you can stand a chance to live on.
• And the amazing thing is this, the fugitive need not have to hide forever. When the current high priest dies, he is forgiven.
• Josh 20:6 “He is to stay in that city until he has stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then he may go back to his own home in the town from which he fled."
• He is released from the sanctuary and allowed to go home, and no one is allowed to harm him. At the end, he finds forgiveness and freedom.
Does this picture looks familiar? When the high priest dies and he goes free?
• That’s what happens to us, right? When a great High Priest JESUS dies and we go free.
• In a sense, what Israelites experience here is just the tip of the iceberg, a glimpse of God’s heart.
• We see the full revelation of His heart when Jesus dies and set us free, forever, from the guilt of sin.
God is merciful. He provides Israel places of refuge. And ultimately He provides us an eternal refuge in Jesus Christ. We can be set free forever.
• We don’t run to a place; we run to Him. Prov 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the southern United States in 2005, displaced families and individuals were often referred to in the media as “refugees.” Some complained that this term was insulting, so it prompted reporters to scramble for another word. They decided on the word evacuees.
The word is worst, actually. It tells of people running from home. The word refugee is a word filled with hope. It comes from the word refuge. It describes one who is running in search of refuge, towards a place of safety, protection and rest for the hurting.
The Lord is our safe haven in a storm-filled world. In Him we find rest and protection.
• Isa 25:4 “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”
• Do you know how much He longs to protect you? When Jesus saw the ignorance of His people, He lamented: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Matt 23:37)
• Do we understand His heart?
We all face troubles in life, and sometimes threats too. They cause us to run for cover and seek for shelter.
• Run to JESUS. He is our refuge and strength.
• We get some sense of security in wealth, possessions or even relationships, but remember, these can only give us some SENSE…
• He makes us fully secured and protected. He’ll hold you in the storm. [Play Song]
HE'LL HOLD YOU IN THE STORM by Rosnah Anderson
I know you're scared 'cos you've seen lightning clouds on your horizon,
And you don't think you can make it through the rain,
The skies above you darken, and your heart begins to break,
Don't you know He's there to ease the pain?
He'll be a candle in the darkness, and He'll hold you in the storm
You can see the cold rains coming, but I know He'll keep you warm
There's no reason to cry now, there's no need to mourn
'Cos He'll be a candle in the darkness, and He'll hold you in the storm.
I know you're scared 'cos you don't think He'll hear you in the thunder
You wonder, if you cry out, will He come?
Don't you know He's been there since the day the rain first started?
He's holding His arm 'cos there's nowhere to run. … Chorus
There's no reason to cry, no reason to mourn
He'll be a candle, and He'll hold you in the storm.
You are most secure when you surrender your life to God.
• Seek Him. He is the only protection you’ll ever need!
• Everything was done so you would come!
Moses’ parting words to the Israelites before he made his final climb to Mount Nebo and dies there.
[His last words. Deut 34 – about his death – is appended by Joshua.]
Deut 33:27-29 “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, `Destroy him!' 28So Israel will live in safety alone; Jacob's spring is secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. 29Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places."
Sing SO YOU WOULD COME by Hillsong
Before the world began
You were on His mind
And every tear you cry
Is precious in His eyes
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come
Nothing you can do
Could make Him love you more
And nothing that you've done
Could make Him close the door
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come
Come to the Father
Though your gift is small
Broken hearts, broken lives
He will take them all
The power of the Word
The power of His blood
Everything was done
So you would come
