Cities of Refuge

 

Joshua 20

 

I.                     God provided the cities of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone

a.      There were six cities so that they would always be close and equally accessible

b.      They were to prepare the way to make it possible for the slayer to flee there Deuteronomy 19:3

c.      There was no respect of persons at the city of refuge Numbers 35:15

d.      The city of refuge guaranteed his life Deuteronomy 19:5

 

II.                   God required a fair trial

a.      At the entering in of the gate his cause was to be declared Joshua 20:4

b.      He was to declare it to the elders or leaders Joshua 20:4 and the congregation Numbers 35:24

c.      There had to be multiple witnesses Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 19:15

 

III.                  The determining factors to see it if was murder

a.      Hatred or previously being enemies Numbers 35:20, 21

b.      Laying in wait or planning and trapping the victim Numbers 35:20, Deuteronomy 19:11

c.      It was an accident if there was no hatred or forethought Numbers 35:20, Joshua 20:3, 5 Deuteronomy 19:4, 6

d.      If he caused his death without seeing the victim Numbers 35:22

 

IV.               Interesting truths

a.      Just laws are based on laws that the God of Heaven gave His people

                                                                 i.      Innocent until proven guilty

                                                               ii.      The right to face your accuser

                                                             iii.      The right for a group to examine the evidence

b.      False witnesses were to be punished Deuteronomy 19:16-19

c.      Judges were to make diligent inquisition Deuteronomy 19:18 to be sure the witness is telling the truth

d.      The family had ever right to demand justice

e.      If he was guilty they were not to pity him Deuteronomy 19:12-13

f.        Though it was an accident the slayer had to stay in the city of refuge until the high priest died so he was under city arrest Numbers 35:25-28

g.      Murderers were to be put to death after a fair trial Numbers 35:16-18, 30

 

V.                 Jesus is our city of refuge in the New Testament

a.      He is the way John 14:6

b.      We flee to Him for refuge Hebrews 6:17-18

c.      We are safe and saved in Him who will never die

d.      Our life is in Him

e.      All are welcome to come to Him