he cities of the Levites. (1-8) The cities of refuge, The
laws about murder. (9-34)
Verses 1-8: The cities of the priests and Levites were not only to
accommodate them, but to place them, as religious teachers, in
several parts of the land. For though the typical service of the
tabernacle or temple was only in one place, the preaching of the
word of God, and prayer and praise, were not thus confined.
These cities were to be given out of each tribe. Each thus made
a grateful acknowledgement to God. Each tribe had the benefit of
the Levites dwelling amongst them, to teach them the knowledge
of the Lord; thus no parts of the country were left to sit in
darkness. The gospel provides that he who is taught in the word,
should communicate to him that teaches, in all good things, (Ga
6:6). We are to free God's ministers from distracting cares, and
to leave them at leisure for the duties of their station; so
that they may be wholly employed therein, and avail themselves
of every opportunity, by acts of kindness, to gain the good-will
of the people, and to draw their attention.
Verses 9-34: To show plainly the abhorrence of murder, and to provide
the more effectually for the punishment of the murderer, the
nearest relation of the deceased, under the title of avenger of
blood, (or the redeemer of blood,) in notorious cases, might
pursue, and execute vengeance. A distinction is made, not
between sudden anger and malice aforethought, both which are the
crime of murder; but between intentionally striking a man with
any weapon likely to cause death, and an unintentional blow. In
the latter case alone, the city of refuge afforded protection.
Murder in all its forms, and under all disguises, pollutes a
land. Alas! that so many murders, under the name of duels,
prize-fights, &c. should pass unpunished. There were six cities
of refuge; one or other might be reached in less than a day's
journey from any part of the land. To these, man-slayers might
flee for refuge, and be safe, till they had a fair trial. If
acquitted from the charge, they were protected from the avenger
of blood; yet they must continue within the bounds of the city
till the death of the high priest. Thus we are reminded that the
death of the great High Priest is the only means whereby sins
are pardoned, and sinners set at liberty. These cities are
plainly alluded to, both in the Old and New Testament, we cannot
doubt the typical character of their appointment. Turn ye to the
strong hold, ye prisoners of hope, saith the voice of mercy,
(Zec 9:12), alluding to the city of refuge. St. Paul describes
the strong consolation of fleeing for refuge to the hope set
before us, in a passage always applied to the gracious
appointment of the cities of refuge, (Heb 6:18). The rich
mercies of salvation, through Christ, prefigured by these
cities, demand our regard. 1. Did the ancient city rear its
towers of safety on high? See Christ raised up on the cross; and
is he not exalted at the right hand of his Father, to be a
Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins?
2. Does not the highway of salvation, resemble the smooth and
plain path to the city of refuge? Survey the path that leads to
the Redeemer. Is there any stumbling-block to be found therein,
except that which an evil heart of unbelief supplies for its own
fall? 3. Waymarks were set up pointing to the city. And is it
not the office of the ministers of the gospel to direct sinners
to Him? 4. The gate of the city stood open night and day. Has
not Christ declared, Him that cometh unto me I will in nowise
cast out? 5. The city of refuge afforded support to every one
who entered its walls. Those who have reached the refuge, may
live by faith on Him whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood
is drink indeed. 6. The city was a refuge for all. In the gospel
there is no respect of persons. That soul lives not which
deserves not Divine wrath; that soul lives not which may not in
simple faith hope for salvation and life eternal, through the
Son of God.
he cities of the Levites. (1-8) The cities of refuge, The
laws about murder. (9-34)