Numbers 35 – Christ, our City of Refuge

The main subject of Numbers 35 is the Cities of Refuge. Of all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi was chosen for religious services. Only the Levites were appointed as priests to serve God. They were also assigned to take care of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings during the transition. Different families of the Levites were also assigned to take care of the setting up, dismantling, and transporting of the different parts of the Tabernacle. God’s intention was also for the Levites to be teachers of the Law. They were also given judicial authority to help to settle any family dispute so that no further and needless bloodshed could be avoided.  

The tribe of Levi was specially chosen to serve God. Hence, they were not allotted any portion of the promised land. God Himself promised to be their inheritance. What a privilege! Therefore the other tribes of Israel were obliged to chip in to sustain them, from what was given to them. God instructed that the Levites be given a total of 48 cities as well as pasture lands for them to dwell in and to house their livestock. The bigger tribes allotted larger portions of land were to contribute more to them. The smaller tribes were expected to contribute lesser land. Out of the 48 cities given to them, six of them would be made Cities of Refuge.

The purpose of the Cities of Refuge was for anyone who had killed someone without the intention to seek protection for his unpremeditated act. The killer would be protected till his act be judiciously tried. This arrangement tells us that God treasures life. Being just, God would not allow the propagation of injustice. These cities were strategically located to allow easy accessibility for anyone who had committed a killing unintentionally. That killer could expect to be fairly dealt with. These Cities of Refuge depict for us the grace and mercy of God. They represent for us the unmerited favor of God. We worshippers of God have a safe refuge in Christ. In Him, we are protected and shielded from the threats of life. Remember that Christ is our refuge. For us, He is the embodiment of Psalm 46:1-3, our City of Refuge:

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” Selah.