MPV Commentary

The Lord Commands the Cities of Refuge.

The Lord spoke to Joshua and instructed him to designate cities where people who had committed unintentional manslaughter could find refuge (Numbers 35:9-28; Deuteronomy 19:1-13). This command was given as the Israelites were settling into their assigned territories. The cities themselves served as sanctuaries, not temples or altars like those in other countries. Their purpose was not to shield criminals but rather to provide a safe haven for those who had committed manslaughter until it could be determined whether the death was accidental and caused by momentary passion or premeditated malice.

The institution of cities of refuge, along with the rules governing those seeking asylum within their walls, was an essential provision that balanced justice and mercy.

He who fled to one of these cities would stand at the entrance of the city gate (Numbers 35:14). There, he would recount his story to the elders, who were obligated to provide him shelter and support until the local authorities had thoroughly investigated the case and made a decision. If found guilty, the manslayer was surrendered to the blood avenger; if extenuating circumstances existed, he remained in the city of refuge, safe from those seeking revenge. However, he forfeited his right to immunity as soon as he ventured beyond the city walls.

The manslayer's stay in the city of refuge was conditional upon the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25). The high priest's death secured the complete deliverance of the manslayer from his sin because he had been anointed with holy oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. In this way, the death of the earthly high priest served as a type of that of the heavenly High Priest (Hebrews 9:14-15).