THE CITIES OF REFUGE AND THE FALSE WITNESS It was fitting for the people of God to translate their religious life into proper behavior in all the social relationships, their civil and criminal dealings. As beginners in spiritual life, the congregation was in need of a detailed statute to control their behavior and dealings. In the previous chapter, he referred to the anticipated Prophet, to whom they should hear, in order to enjoy salvation. Now he is providing us with a symbolic portrait of this Messianic salvation - setting the cities of refuge to which manslayer who kills his neighbor unintentionally against his will takes shelter. This primitive justice is far from intentional killing; with the purpose of opposing it. It does not break the sixth commandment, but would rather keep it. He also spoke of honoring the rights of others, whether concerning their possessions or their souls. No one is allowed to remove a neighbor’s landmark to confiscate a land that is not his; and it is not fitting for any one to be a false witness against an innocent man. 1. The cities of refuge 1–13. 2. Removing the landmarks 14. 3. The false testimony 15–31. 1. THE CITIES OF REFUGE “When the Lord your God has cut off the nations whose land the Lord your God is giving you, and you dispossess them and dwell in their cities and in their houses, You shall separate three cities for yourself in the midst of your land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess. You shall prepare roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, that any manslayer may flee there. And this is the case of the manslayer who flees there, that he may live: Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, not having hated him in time past – as when a man goes to the woods with his neighbor to cut timber, and his hand swings a stroke with the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies – he shall flee to one of these cities and live; lest the avenger of blood, while his anger is hot pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and kill him, though he was not worthy of death, since he had not hated the victim in time past. Therefore I command you, saying: You shall separate three cities for yourself. Now if the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he swore to your fathers, and gives you the land which He promised to give to your fathers; and if you keep all these commandments and do them, which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and to walk always in His ways,, then you shall add three more cities for yourself beside these three, lest innocent blood be shed in the midst of your land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; and this blood-guiltiness be upon you” (Deut. 19:1-10). Not every killing is a crime. Every case should be diligently investigated separately. The Law discerned between two kinds of killing: a. Unintentional killing: (4-6): In this case the manslayer can get away from his avenger of blood by fleeing to one of the refuge cities (see Numbers 35:9-34). b. Intentional killing: In which the avenger has the right to have his revenge 7 against him (11-13). One of the commandments to the children of Noah was: “Whoever sheds the blood of a human, by a human, shall that person’s blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6). Now that statute is established. But what if the killing was unintentional; for this God commanded to separate the cities of refuge; as we previously saw in our study of the books of Exodus 21:13, and of Numbers 35:10; etc. The book of Numbers dealt with this issue in detail. But now, as the people were about to enter into the Promised Land, they were instructed to separate those three cities on the East Bank. (1) After Moses set three cities on the East Bank (1:3-7), three more cities were separated in the land of Canaan on the West Bank. The whole region is to be divided into three equal sections as far as possible; the city of refuge to be the center of each section. So that everyone wherever he is, can find near him a city of refuge, which may be considered as a location to which a manslayer can be kept until he can have a just trial, to decide if he is an intentional or an unintentional killer. The city of refuge is thus a protection for the innocent and not for the guilty. We find no record of this increase in the number of cities of refuge sought by Moses; which is an unintentional proof of the authenticity of this book, as any later author would not be able to bring this up. The city of refuge refers to the Lord Christ, the Savior of the world, who came down to our earth, and is not any more far from us, but is very near to us. We do not have to seek for whom to ascend to heaven to bring Him down; nor for whom to descend to Hades to bring Him up to us; As He is actually in our hearts (Romans 10:8). Our gospel came up with the salvation, and made it at our hands. He knocks on our inner doors hoping that we receive Him; that we open them to let the Groom of our souls in to dine with us. Our Christ came to our earth to become our stronghold, in whom we are liberated from judgment (Romans 8:1), and be free from any condemnation in an exalted divine protection (Romans 5:1, 9, 10; 8:31-39). Isaiah seeing this unique city says: We have a strong city. God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks” (Isaiah 26:1); which is also confirmed by the apostle by saying: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). In the old days, the manslayer used to resort to the city of refuge and stay there until he is tried. And if found innocent, he would remain there until the high priest dies. In the New Testament, on the other hand, the Lord Jesus, being both the Avenger and the Judge; instead of revenge, he will open up for us His divine heart as a refuge to find comfort; and to stay in Him forever; to enjoy, not only the verdict of innocence, but the fellowship of His glories. He is not only the City of refuge, but He is the road open before us. Hence, it is fitting for us to hasten to His Holy Spirit, to enter into Him without delay, lest the sword would catch-up with us, and our souls would perish. (2) This chapter answered the following question: How can the manslayer recognize the way to the city of refuge? We know that many of the roads in the old days were formed through the treading of the beasts carrying the heavy loads, especially those in caravans. Paved roads were virtually unknown to the Jews who live in the wilderness for as long as forty years. Then it was the responsibility of the officials to prepare the roads leading to the cities of refuge; to remove every obstacle that might hinder the setting forth to them; to build bridges to cross over to these cities; to put at the crossroads signs with the words ‘Refuge! Refuge!,’ and to maintain those roads on the month of March of every year. It is likewise fitting for the ministers of the word to prepare the way for every 8 soul to encounter with the Savior as its refuge; to be committed to remove every obstacle; to open up the door of hope before them to enjoy the righteousness of Christ and His holiness, instead of their sins; and the non-corruption instead of their corruption. As those responsible are committed to prepare the ways everywhere toward the cities of refuge; so also God, in His love, prepared for humanity the road toward Jesus Christ. He proclaimed it to our early parents ‘Adam and Eve’ on His first encounter with them following their fall; then paved the way to know Him through the patriarchs, the prophets, the events, and the Law; in order to cancel any excuse for those who refuse to resort to Him. He sent us very clear prophecies, like signs pointing toward the Person of the Savior; our City of refuge. The escapee was committed to stay in the city until the death of the high priest; then gets out (Numbers 35:25-29). Our Christ – the greatest High Priest – died once to bring us into Him. He will not die again, but stay alive after His resurrection; so that no one will come out of Him; but we shall eternally abide in Him, and He in us (John 15:4; Colossians 1:23; Hebrew 3:14; 10:38, 39). In short, He set before us a refuge for our salvation (Hebrew 6:18). (3) The crime of bloodshed had its serious consequences (Proverb 28:17), whereas in the New Testament, mere anger would lead one to the fire of hell. And although un-intention is considered a sin for which a sacrifice is offered; yet killing unintentionally is not counted as a crime that warrants punishment. But the one who committed it is allowed to flee to one of the cities of refuge, to protect him against his avenger of blood. Saul of Tarsus killed many; but having done that in ignorance, the Lord Christ Himself appeared to him proclaiming the truth, which made him long to die for His sake. The Lord likewise forgave those who crucified Him because they did that in ignorance. (4) The idea of the cities of refuge came to reveal the intention of God, the compassionate toward His people; who brings up the believing souls, fleeing the judgment, into His side, through faith in the blood of Christ. Whoever flees from sin to the Lord Christ, will find Him opening the doors of His love, as a city of refuge for him. (5) There is no refuge for those who kill intentionally, who persist on walking by the spirit of Satan the murderer. The manslayer by intention has no right to find mercy in the judge who does not carry the sword of justice without purpose; but to avenge the blood-shedders. Whoever persists on sin will not enjoy forgiveness (Hebrew 10:26). The Jews tell us that the roads leading to the cities of refuge used to be very spacious; about 32 yards wide; and always kept in a good shape1. (6) It is to be noticed that the Law did not count all the towns of the Levites as cities of refuge; but only three cities were so chosen on each Bank; in order to confirm that the Levites were treated the same as the rest of the people. In case a Levite unintentionally killed someone, his city would not give him protection, but he will have to resort to one of the cities of refuge until he is tried. That is what the Law always confirms; that the priest, although is honored with the ministry of God, yet he stands together with the people before God; and his judgment would be harsher and more firm because of his more knowledge. (7) Some may probably ask whether the Mosaic Law has allowed the avenger 1 Adam Clarke Commentary. 9 to take action against someone who killed his relative. We say here that the Law intended to limit that as far it possible could. Now, and until very recently, in higher Egypt, as well as in the desert regions, if someone is killed, his family would not be satisfied with killing the one responsible, but would include his children and his relatives; and the situation may turn into a kind of civil war between the families of the whole region; that may last for decades with no end or control. That is why the Mosaic Law came to limit the right of revenge only to one immediate avenger, and not to his household and relatives. The Law came to realize the following: a. To keep the believer from living with no control concerning revenge. b. To confirm the sanctity of man’s life; both of the killer and his victim. c. There is no one above the Law; whether a priest or a layman. d. The commitment of the congregation to hold just trials, without haste. (8) Although God of heaven and earth, has granted His people the Promised Land with all its cities; yet He sought to have three on every Bank to be referred to Him. Although all the cities are His, and He has granted them to men; yet he sought back that few, to be dedicated to His divine purpose for human life. I wish that our God would find in our depths a city of refuge, to receive and refer to Him; where His love and grace would be realized. (9) On the crossroads, signs are set with the word ‘Refuge’ (miklot); for the escapee to see clearly and without any doubt; to hasten toward the city, having little time to linger, because he is in great danger! What are these signs but the Holy Bible that directs us to our Savior Jesus Christ? There is no time for foolish disputes, but we should set forth with haste, to throw ourselves in His bosom, to hide in Him from the enemy who chases us. Our gospel is the signs that direct us to the unique City of refuge “Jesus Christ.” And having ourselves become the message of Christ, read by all men, it is fitting for us, as an open gospel, for all to read in us the word ‘miklot,’ and to find in our depths a road that leads to the Savior. It is the case of the living Church, to be a sign bearing the same word; to lead every soul along the road of the truth, to bring him over to the divine refuge; to enjoy the freedom of the glory of the children of God; the peace of God that surpasses every mind; and the incessant joy of heaven. The Church is the ‘minaret’ or the tower that bears the splendor of Christ that shines on souls, calling on everyone to flee to the refuge, and to the hope, provided by the gospel. It is fitting for the believers to strive with the spirit of truth, because, as members in the Church of Christ, they realize that their life is nothing but hiding in Jesus Christ, their refuge. The right to resort to the altar: In the days of Emperor Constantine, a church system appeared that was similar to the cities of refuge; that if the accused resorts to the altar and holds its horns; he would not be killed before he gets a just trial. In the days of St. John Chrysostom, a man called Eutropius opposed that system, and challenged the church. And when he was accused of treason against the emperor and of plotting to have him killed, he resorted to the altar. The police and the people expected that St. John Chrysostom would drive him out of the church, and to deliver him to death. But St. John Chrysostom proclaiming his love toward his adversaries gave two speeches before the congregation, on the concept of the church and her message, even toward her 10 adversaries, and proclaimed that the beauty of the altar is to love its enemies1. That tradition was developed in Europe that allowed some to protect the accused who resort to the altar, the church, or any sacred place, for the duration of a month, and sometimes for three days, until they are given a chance for a fair trial. That does not mean protection of the criminals and the murderers; but giving an ample chance for a fair trial. It was likewise an opportunity for the repentance of the sinners and their return to God. And it also gave the bishops to intercede on behalf of some of those. “But if anyone hates his neighbor, lies in wait for him, rises against him and strikes him mortally, so that he dies, and he flees to one of these cities, then the elders of his city shall send and bring him from there. And deliver him over to the hand of the avenger of blood that he might die. Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you” (Deut. 19:11-13). The Law was keen on protecting those with pure heart and intention, who unintentionally cause the death of others; and set for them cities of refuge. But at the same time, it refused the protection of those with evil hearts, who harbored hatred toward their brethren, and killed them. The cities of refuge were not meant for them; and if they flee to one of them, they would be taken away and killed. This is a bitter portrait of some of the wicked persons who hide their hateful wolf-like hearts under a garment of religion. This garment should be torn off, to expose such a person, and to let him have the fruit of his wickedness, as long as he did not repent. There is no city of refuge for the hateful hearts. Our Christ, with His great love, opens the doors of His heart before those who desire to live by love. As to those who harbor hatred, they have no place in Him. Our Christ is a City of refuge for those who wash themselves up in His blood. Through the divine mercy, melded with justice, the believer settles down in Christ, and become glorified together with Him forever. He embraces the repenting sinners, who confess their sins, and those who are justified by faith. 2. REMOVING THE LANDMARKS The book of Deuteronomy cared for the land to be inherited by the people of God. After confirming “You shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you” (13), goes on to say: “You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the lord your God is giving you to possess” (Deut. 19:14). It is as though removing the landmarks to confiscate a part of the portion of others is not less serious than shedding innocent blood. For the Promised Land was a symbol of the promised heavenly life. It is as though shedding innocent blood is not less than causing someone to lose his eternal portion, or the salvation of his soul through offense. The issue of the land gained by every tribe as a permanent inheritance, represents to it a matter of life or death. Whoever removes the landmarks of someone, to confiscate a part of his land, would be like confiscating the blessing of the Lord, which is to him his whole life; or like confiscating his inheritance in the divine covenant. By plot, every tribe and every family, have got its portion in the land. God’s 1 Two Letters on Eutropius. 11 will is, for every man to realize the riches of God’s grace on him, without coveting what is not his; he has no right to confiscate what belongs to others. By this God gives us an important lesson; that every man should respect his limits and possessions; and respect as well, the limits and possessions of others. Removing landmarks constitutes dishonesty, deceit, greed, and causing others harm. This is what is fitting to raise our children on, in their dealing with others, even their parents and the rest of the family. Together with generosity in giving a child, he should be trained on realizing the limits of his possessions, and on satisfaction with what he is given. 3. FALSE TESTIMONY “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make diligent inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother, so you shall put away the evil person from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity, but life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot” (Deut. 19:15-21). Because there is a probability of controversy, whether a killing is intentionally or unintentionally committed; and whether there is a past animosity between the killer and the victim; or a controversy on the limits of territories of tribes and families; there would be need for hearing testimonies. That is why the Law is dealing with the issue of false testimony. The Law rejects setting a testimony on a single witness (Numbers 35:30; Deut. 17:6); but it should be set on the testimony of at least two witnesses (15- 19). A false testimony is counted as treason against the covenant with God Himself, who hates oppression and deceit (19-21). Although iniquities are secretly committed; yet it would be enough to hear the testimony of two witnesses, as a proof of diligent inquiry1. A sign over the cross of the Savior was written in three tongues: in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, saying “The King of Jews” (John 19:19), in accordance with the principle that, on the mouth of two or three witnesses, a word is established2. St. Augustine The Mosaic Law came to seek: “ life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, foot for foot” (21). By that it raised man up, at the beginning of his spiritual life, from the spirit of revenge, by more harm than is done to him; as it is his tendency by nature to pay back evil with greater evil. By that the Law lifted man up, to prepare him gradually for love, to practice, by the divine grace, loving the enemy, and confronting evil by goodness. It brings man up to love and forgiveness by gradually training him on controlling himself. The Law is firm and just. Who can be justified before it?! Thanks to God, who moved us up, by the richness of His love, from under the Law to the era of grace; to let us stand before the chair of mercy; to be covered by the precious blood of our Christ; to be justified before God. Our Christ has paid the price; realized the 1 In 1 Tim. Hom. 15. 2 St. Augustine: Ps. 56. 12 requirement of the Law; and presented to us the consummation of freedom, for the new life, blameless before God. Whoever gives a false testimony would be tried before a superior tribunal, before the priests and judges who stand before the Lord. As the judges used to sit for judgment at the gates of the city, so also the priests and judges sit before the gates of the temple to judge according to the will of God (Deut. 17:12). If indeed the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, it shall be done to him, as he thought to have done to his brother. Some may think this as cruel; as a false witness may face the death penalty; yet, whoever digs a pit for his brother, would fall into it. By that, God presents a practical lesson, by putting the spirit of fear in them. St. Augustine1 sees that this expression hints to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. In the episode of Susanna, there were two elderly witnesses with false testimony (Daniel 13:36-62). And in the trial of the Lord Christ, although the whole multitude testified against Him, yet their testimony was false and vain (Luke 23:1). What does it mean that a matter may be established by two or three witnesses, but the true testimony of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (John 8:18). 1 St. Augustine: On the Gospel of St. John, tract. 36:10. 13 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY (Chapter 19) YOU ARE MY REFUGE AND SUPPORT Sin has embittered my life and made me lose my peace. Who will protect me from perdition but You?! You are the City of refuge that can accommodate all the sinners. You are the Way to the city of refuge, Who brings me over to the perfect peace. You are the sign that refers to security. You dwell deep inside me, deeper than my soul. You are nearer to me than my own soul. So why should I seek another refuge?! My God, You are the Refuge of my soul. Grant me to fly and enter into Your bosom. Let me carry You inside me. Let me bring others over to You. With Your fiery Spirit, engrave on my heart the name “To the Refuge;” So as to become a living sign that leads others to You. I often overrode my territory. Confiscated the rights of my brethren. Give me back Your righteousness, To respect the right of even a little kid. And to respect the feelings of every weak and needy. Teach me and guide me, not to override the territory You have given me. Who would not need a witness to confirm the truth of his words?! Your Law seeks two or three witnesses, to guarantee the fairness of justice. The whole world resort to the testimony of witnesses. Who will testify to me?! Who knows my hidden thoughts?! Only You, O my Savior, Your heavenly Father, and Your Holy Spirit, are the true witnesses. Who testify to the richness of Your grace, working in me. Let me say together with Simon Peter: Lord, You know how I love You! You are a true Witness to what floods in my depths.
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