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The cities here mentioned were called the cities of refuge. They were appointed by the command of God Himself; and, after the Israelites had crossed the river Jordan and entered the land of Canaan, three more were set apart on the other side of the river for the same purpose.

I. WHAT THERE WAS REMARKABLE IN THEIR INSTITUTION, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DISTINGUISHED THEM. They were then so well chosen, with such attention to the design proposed, that no part of the country was more than half a day's journey from some one of them.

II. BEHOLD IN THESE CITIES OF REFUGE AN EMBLEM OF THE REDEMPTION PROVIDED IN THE GOSPEL. See in the fugitive a fitting likeness of those who flee for refuge to the hope set before them in Christ Jesus. The ancient city of refuge stood on high, easy to be seen of all, holding out safety to those who needed it. Even so hath Jesus Christ been lifted up on the Cross, that the eye of faith may be turned to Him, and the hope of salvation arise in the heart of the penitent believer. The road that led to the cities of refuge was broad, plain, and straight; there was nothing to hinder the feet of him who fled along it. And is the highway of God's salvation less plain, less open, less direct? On the roads that led to the cities of refuge way marks were set up to guide the feet of the fugitive. Even so are the ministers of Jesus now commissioned to guide the ignorant, and warn the wandering, and to cry aloud to all, "This is the way, walk ye in it." The gates of the city of refuge stood open day and night. And so do the gates of the city of our God, the New Jerusalem. Christ ever stands ready to embrace in the arms of His mercy the soul that seeketh Him. The city of refuge was bound to support those who fled to it for protection. And in the house of the living God there is bread enough and to spare. The city of refuge was for all, as well for the stranger as for one born in the land. And in Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female.

III. THE CONDITIONS ON WHICH HE WHO FLED TO ONE OF THE CITIES OF REFUGE WAS ENTITLED TO THE PRIVILEGES THEREOF. First, leaving all behind, be must flee for his life, nor ever stop till sheltered within the appointed walls. Again, when once received within the city, he must not leave it, no, not for a moment, lest the avenger of blood fall upon him, and he die. Have you fled to Christ? Abide, then, in Him: forsake not the safe shelter of His fold: go not from under the shadow of His wing.

(C. Blencowe, M. A.).

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KJV: Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

WEB: Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise;