The establishment of Cities of Refuge is a significant aspect of the legal and moral framework given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. These cities were divinely ordained as places of asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, providing them protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Cities of Refuge is primarily outlined in the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. In Numbers 35:9-15, the LORD instructs Moses regarding the establishment of these cities:

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. The six cities you designate will serve as your cities of refuge. Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites, as well as for the foreigner or temporary resident among them, so that anyone who kills another unintentionally may flee there.'"

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge was to ensure justice and mercy within the community. They provided a safe haven for those who had killed someone accidentally, preventing the cycle of blood vengeance that was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The avenger of blood, typically a close relative of the deceased, was not permitted to harm the manslayer once they reached a city of refuge.

The cities also served a judicial function. The accused was required to stand trial before the assembly to determine the nature of the act—whether it was accidental or premeditated. If found guilty of murder, the individual would be handed over to the avenger of blood. However, if the act was deemed accidental, the manslayer was to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25-28).

Location and Selection

The LORD commanded the Israelites to designate six cities as Cities of Refuge. Three were to be located on the west side of the Jordan River and three on the east side, ensuring accessibility for all the tribes of Israel. The cities chosen were strategically located to be within a reasonable distance for anyone in need of refuge.

In Joshua 20:7-9, the specific cities are named:

"So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. And across the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and for any foreigner residing among them, so that anyone who killed another unintentionally could flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood trial before the assembly."

Theological Significance

The Cities of Refuge reflect the balance of justice and mercy in God's law. They underscore the sanctity of human life and the importance of due process, while also providing a means of grace and protection for those who have erred unintentionally. The provision for both Israelites and foreigners highlights the inclusivity of God's justice system, ensuring that all within the community are treated with fairness and compassion.

Theologically, the Cities of Refuge can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who provides ultimate refuge and redemption for sinners. Just as the manslayer found safety within the city, believers find spiritual refuge in Christ, who offers protection from the consequences of sin and the wrath of God.