Homilist Joshua 20:1-9 The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying,… I. NOTICE A FEW POINTS IN WHICH THERE IS NO CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THESE CITIES PROVIDED FOR THE MANSLAYER AND THE PROTECTION WHICH THE GOSPEL PROVIDES FOR THE SINNER 1. The cities of refuge afforded only a temporary protection for the body. The gospel, on the contrary, is a protection for the whole man, and for the whole man forever. 2. The cities afforded protection only to the unfortunate, whereas the refuge of the gospel is for the guilty. 3. The protection which the cities afforded involved the sacrificing of certain privileges; that of the gospel ensures every privilege. 4. Those who enjoyed the protection of the cities would desire to return to their former scenes; not so with those who enjoy the protection of the gospel. II. NOTICE SOME OF THE MORE ILLUSTRATIVE FEATURES OF RESEMBLANCE. 1. The cities of refuge were of Divine appointment; so is the protection offered in the gospel. 2. The cities of refuge were provisions against imminent danger; so is the gospel. 3. The cities of refuge were arranged so as to be available for all the manslayers in the country; so is the gospel provided for all sinners. (1) Capacity enough to secure all. (2) Within reach of all. (3) Pointed out to all. 4. The cities of refuge were the exclusive asylums for such cases; so is the gospel the only way of salvation. 5. The cities of refuge were only serviceable to those who by suitable effort reached them. (1) Individual effort. (2) Immediate effort. (3) Strenuous effort. (4) Persevering effort. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying, |
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