Deuteronomy
chapter 19 discusses the important concept of establishing the Cities
of Refuge for the innocent. It is important to note there is no
refuge for the guilty. The chapter begins as Moses says, without
hesitation, “When
the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land He is giving
you… set aside three cities centrally located in the land… so
that anyone that kills a man may flee there“.
Remember, God had already set aside three Cities of Refuge on the
west side of the Jordan River, here Moses tells them to set up three
more in the territory east of the Jordan (The land they have yet to
possess). Moses reminds all of us of the purpose: “This
is the rule concerning the man who kills another and flees there to
save his life-one who kills his neighbor unintentionally, without
malice or aforethought… that man may flee to one of those cities“.
We are given an example of someone being killed by accident (an ax
head flies off while chopping) and we are told “that
man may flee to one of those cities to save his life“.
As we see, the law makes clear distinction between murder and
homicide and the consequences of each are very different.
Moses
explains the need for these cities to be accessible, “Otherwise
the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the
distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving
of death“.
This ‘Avenger of Blood’ is a near relative of the slain man, who
is obligated to avenge the life of his family member. We are told,
“Do
this so the innocent blood will not be shed in your land“.
In contrast, we read, “If
a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, assaults him and
kills him and he flees to one of these cities… show him no pity…
hand him over to the avenger of blood to die“.
Notice the reason given for this, “You
must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood“.
It seems God holds the entire nation accountable for protecting the
innocent. In order to determine guilt, a trial must be held by the
local priests and judges. We read, “One
witness is not enough to convict a man… a matter must be
established by the testimony of two or three witnesses“.
We also read if the witness is proven to be a liar, “then
do to him what he intended to do to his brother“.
And again we read the Bible teaches punishing the guilty is a
deterrent, “The
rest of the people will hear this and be afraid“.
This
chapter reminds us that spiritually we are all guilty and deserve the
righteous judgment of God under the law. But God has provided for us
a place of refuge. “God
is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
(Psalm 46:1). Amazingly, the refuge of Jesus Christ is not
restricted only to the innocent. He actually took the punishment we
earned so that we that are guilty might receive complete freedom as
well. Because of the cross, the ‘avenger of blood’ holds no fear
for us. Romans chapter 8, explains that by His death and
resurrection, we have been set free from trying to live under the
law. “There
is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
because through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life has set me
free from the law of death”
(Romans 8:1-2). If you are tired of running in fear, turn to the
place of refuge. Hear the call of our Savior, “Come
to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”
(Matthew 11:28). May you experience the grace of God in a new way
today!