THE LEVITIES' CITIES AND THE CITIES OF REFUGE When the Lord had specified the boarders of the land and named the dividers, He showed concern for disinherited servants. He ordained that they live in certain cities. Part of these would be set aside as cities of refuge for those who had committed accidental slaying (manslaughter). 1) He decreed that forty eight cities be assigned to his servants, six of which would be refuge cities and 42 for his servants. The numeral 42 was formerly mentioned in (Num. 33). The Lord also specified certain grounds or suburbs round these cities to be a thousand of cubits symbolizing the heavenly nature because everything that had to do with the levities had to carry the signal of heaven. 2) Three cities were assigned east of Jordan and three west of it in Canaan because believers, whether of the Old or New Testament will always find shelter in the Lord (Ps 56:9,7) the Holy Trinity. 3) The Law of Refuge cities: a) This ordinance is for the priesthood because the aim of their work is to carry humanity to the Lord as their refuge. b) The accidental slayer would take shelter in the nearest city of refuge. Clear signs would show him the way to these cities (Deut 19-3). The ways to shelter represent the Holy Bible open for all. It leads the spirit to the Lord only to find His Hand outstretched to receive it. c) The slayer would then plead his case infront of the elders. If they were convinced that the slaying was accidental then he would join them. It wprohibited to take revenge on him while he was abiding within the city. He was free to leave at the death of the high priest. The city symbolizes Jesus Christ who accepts the repentants in Him. He dies for them as the High Priest did, thus completely liberating them. 4) For fear that someone might think that the law of refuge lightly of murder, the Lord made clear the grave nature of the crime. The sentence for murder was death. However the guilt had to be proven beyond doubt by more than one witness. No ransom was acceptable for fear the rich would think they could get away with murder. Every slighting in punishing the murderer would defile the land.
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