“And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.”
Context:Numbers 35 discusses the cities of refuge, which were designated cities in the land of Israel where individuals who unintentionally caused someone’s death could seek refuge from the avenger of blood, the person seeking vengeance. These cities were meant to provide a place of safety and protection for those who accidentally caused harm, allowing them to avoid being unjustly harmed themselves.
Study:
- The Principle of Sanctuary:The verse emphasises the principle that once a person fled to a city of refuge, they were to be protected and not handed over to the avenger of blood. The “satisfaction” referred to in the verse means a ransom or payment that would secure the release of the one seeking refuge. The idea behind this principle is that the person seeking refuge should not be forced to pay any ransom or penalty, nor should they be sent back to the land where the accident occurred until the death of the high priest.
- The Significance of the High Priest:The death of the high priest marked the end of the time of refuge for the one seeking protection. This meant that as long as the high priest was alive, the person who sought refuge in the city was safe. However, when the high priest died, the person could safely return to their own land without fear of being harmed by the avenger of blood. The death of the high priest symbolised the completion of the atonement or expiation for the accidental death, allowing the person to be free from guilt and danger.
- Reflection on God’s Justice and Mercy:The establishment of the cities of refuge reveals God’s concern for justice and mercy. God provided a system that recognised the difference between intentional and unintentional harm. He offered protection and sanctuary for those who caused accidental harm, allowing them to live without fear of retribution. This demonstrates God’s compassion and desire for fairness in dealing with His people.
- Foreshadowing of Christ:The cities of refuge in the Old Testament serve as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge we have in Jesus Christ. Just as those who sought refuge in the cities of refuge were protected from the avenger of blood, believers today find refuge in Christ from the judgment and condemnation we deserve because of our sins. Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), and through His death and resurrection, He provides us with eternal safety and forgiveness.
Application:
- Recognising God’s Justice:We should acknowledge and appreciate God’s sense of justice. He differentiates between intentional and unintentional harm, displaying mercy and offering a way for restoration and protection.
- Seeking Refuge in Christ:Just as the cities of refuge were a place of safety and protection, we should seek refuge in Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate shelter, providing forgiveness, redemption, and deliverance from the consequences of our sins.
- Extending Mercy:As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. This includes understanding the difference between intentional and unintentional harm, forgiving others, and helping those in need to find shelter and protection.
Remember, the Bible should be studied in its entirety, and individual verses should be understood within the context of the entire Scripture. This Bible study provides insights into Numbers 35:32, but it’s essential to consider the surrounding verses and the overall message of the Bible for a comprehensive understanding.
