Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Joshua
by Max Frazier, Jr.

CITIES OF REFUGE
Joshua 20

We begin today by examining a concept which God had given to Israel but which is very foreign to us. I am speaking with regard to the six cities of refuge which are described in Joshua 20.

The cities of refuge, three located on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west side, were designated havens or safe places for those who had taken another person's life accidentally. They would always carry within themselves the guilt pangs associated with the accident. There would be those flashback episodes, those thoughts of "if I could do it over again." But within the walls of those cities they would not have to live in fear of the revenge from the family members of the deceased.

Because God looks upon the heart, He knows the motivations for our every action. And because He knows those motivations He can provide a shelter of protection when we are falsely accused. Many times I return to that powerful truth recorded for us in Proverbs 18:10, The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous (that is you and me) run into it and they are saved.

But these cities of refuge also remind me of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only place where I can go to find forgiveness and to be set free from my sin. He is my great High Priest. He is my refuge. Remember these words of encouragement from the psalmist: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:2). Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee (Psalm 143:9). One of my favorite texts describing our safety in God is Deuteronomy 33:27 which reads, The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

The cities of refuge picture a person who has killed someone. "Where shall I go? How shall I escape?" are the cries from that person's lips. But is this not the picture of a person when he sees himself as a sinner. Remember Isaiah's words when he saw the living God, Woe is me, for I am ruined! (Isaiah 6:5). We are like that Philippian jailer when confronted by God, "What must I do to be saved?"

Friends, we need to be ever pointing people to Jesus. Tradition states that once a year people were sent out in Israel to repair the roads and to clear the stones and to see to it that the signs were legible that pointed to the cities of refuge. I wonder how clearly I am pointing people to Jesus? He is a city of refuge for all who will come unto Him.

Father, This concept of a city of refuge is very foreign to us today. And yet what a wonderful picture of Your great gift of salvation which has been offered to us. Yes, You are our refuge. Yes, You are our strong tower. Yes, in You alone do we find safety. I would pray that each of us would be used to clearly point people to Jesus. For it is in His name that I pray, amen.

Joshua 18-19 Return to Table of Contents Joshua 22