Many people make a great deal of fuss over the cities of refuge, but they fuss about the concept in ignorance of the nature of the law. The city of refuge was not a "get out of jail free" pass. People would not be admitted into the city unless they were deemed to be guilty of accidental manslaughter. They had to get to the city and receive the verdict before the family's avenger caught up with them. And once in the city they had to stay there, often for a very long time, before they were free to return home. The city of refuge was not a place where a genuine criminal could find safe haven, nor where someone would desire to go.
What did God in his mercy provide through the city of refuge? He provided a place of protection for those who sinned accidentally. What does this foreshadow? Christ, in his death, burial and resurrection, has provided protection for us. He has provided forgiveness for the sins we don't even realize we are committing. He promises that we will be covered by his mercy as we dwell in his place of protection until the death of our high priest - Christ, who will die no more. What of those sins we have committed and are not aware of or that we forget to confess? Christ has taken us into his protective custody. We need not fear.
Rejoice today in the protective care of our Lord and Savior!
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