Numbers 35:9-34 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… I. The position of the homicide exposed to the stroke of the avenger IS A TYPE OF OUR POSITION IN OUR SIN. Few positions in the drama of life could be more tragic than that of the manslayer as he looks upon his victim and turns to flee with the speed of desperation to the nearest of the refuge cities. And is our case any the less tragic — difficult as it may be to realise it? Is there any sin we have done that is not pursuing us, or whose stroke will be lighter at last than that of the avenger of blood? No law is so sure as that of retribution. II. The position of the man-slayer with the city of refuge before him IS A TYPE OF OUR POSITION BEFORE THE CROSS. III. The position of the manslayer within the city of refuge is A TYPE OF OUR POSITION UNDER THE SHELTER OF THE CROSS. 1. His safety lies in his remaining within the city. In proportion as a man forgets Christ, the avenging power of sin will find him out and bring darkness on his soul. 2. On the death of the high priest the manslayer may safely leave the refuge (ver. 28). For then the arm of the avenger is arrested, and the whole land becomes as a city of refuge to the homicide. And was it not because in after years the death of God's great High Priest should set men free from the condemnation of their sin? Here for the first time we find a hint of a greater sacrifice than bullock or goat — a hint that He who is High Priest is also Himself the sacrifice. (W. Roberts, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, |
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