Keeping the Faith: Sacred Cities of Refuge
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| by Dr. Russell B. Hilliard, Sr. |
On a journey through Joshua, one reads: “These cities were for all the Israelites and the stranger sojourning among them, that whoever killed a person unintentionally might flee there, and not be slain by the avenger of blood, until he had been tried by the congregation” (Joshua 20:9 TAB).
What a remarkable concept rooted deeply in the Old Testament: There were six sacred cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River, and the “strangers” (the gentiles of today) could find solace there as well as any Israelite.
The Scriptures speak eloquently of God as our sacred source of refuge: His Kingdom offers refuge to all who flee to find forgiveness in these sacred sites. Clearly marked, the roads to these cities were kept in a very good state of repair in order that the fleeing individual could have the best opportunity to escape from his avenger.
In these sacred cities, the person fleeing was received by the “elders at the gate,” and the individual fleeing was protected and given shelter as long as he was not found guilty of premeditated murder. Here was a place of peace and of provision for that man who had sinned, but not as a deliberate act of violence.
Moses earlier gave the Israelites a truly beautiful blessing: “The
eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
(Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV)
Especially in many of the Psalms, God is also seen as the sacred site
of refuge. This great God of love provided a path for those who had
gone astray or accidentally harmed a fellow human being. Even “the
stranger” was permitted to enter these sacred cities, reminding one of
the width and breadth of the Father’s love.
May these Scriptures speak to fleeing men and women (to all mankind) in
these times when one needs a city of refuge where he is openly welcomed
to find God’s mercy and peace! One detects a majestic messianic promise
quite early in these hymns of hope: “Blessed are all who take refuge in
him.” (Psalm 2:12b NIV)
Soon thereafter, one sees a reason for great rejoicing: “But let all
who take refuge in you be glad: let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in
you.” (Psalm 5:11 NIV)
For all who are struggling with injustice and seek a place of refuge,
they may find renewed strength in this promise: “The Lord is a refuge
for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9 NIV)
Or “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1 NIV)
In a world where men are murmuring of meltdowns, may one sing: “The
Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in
whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 18:2a NIV) Then one may pray: “Turn your
ear to me, come quickly to my rescue, be my rock of refuge, a strong
fortress to save me.” (Psalm 31:2 NIV).
A beatitude then is heard as a new song: “Taste and see that the Lord
is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8 NIV).
Or the inspiring feelings as he senses these words: “How priceless is
your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the
shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7 NIV)
One rejoices with vibrant notes as voices sing: “God is our refuge and
strength, an ever present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV). The secret
of the sacred site of refuge is found in the exclamation: “I will say
of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I
trust.’” (Psalm 91:2 NIV)
One continues to sing of the cities of refuge and the gracious Father
who provides refuge for all those who trust in him. His wings are
spread wide to cover all (both the Israelites and the strangers) who
see their need to run to God’s sacred cities of refuge.
