Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of asylum was closely associated with the idea of sanctuary and refuge, particularly in the context of cities of refuge established under Mosaic Law. These cities served as places where individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter could seek protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.Cities of Refuge The establishment of cities of refuge is detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. God commanded Moses to set aside six cities for this purpose: three on the east side of the Jordan River and three in the land of Canaan. Numbers 35:11-12 states, "Select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. These cities will be a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly." The cities of refuge were strategically located to be accessible to all Israelites, ensuring that anyone in need of asylum could reach them without undue hardship. The roads leading to these cities were to be maintained and clearly marked, emphasizing the importance of providing a clear path to safety. Purpose and Function The primary purpose of the cities of refuge was to protect individuals who had caused accidental death, distinguishing between premeditated murder and involuntary manslaughter. Deuteronomy 19:4-5 provides an example: "Now this is the case of the manslayer who may flee there and live: When someone kills his neighbor unintentionally, without having hated him in the past—as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies." The cities served as a temporary asylum until the accused could stand trial before the assembly, ensuring that justice was served while preventing blood vengeance. If the assembly found the death to be accidental, the individual was allowed to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25-28). Spiritual Significance The concept of asylum in the Bible also carries a deeper spiritual significance, symbolizing God's provision of refuge and protection for His people. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This imagery of God as a refuge is echoed throughout the Psalms and other biblical texts, emphasizing His role as a protector and deliverer for those who seek Him. In the New Testament, the theme of asylum is further expanded through the work of Jesus Christ, who offers spiritual refuge and salvation to all who believe in Him. Hebrews 6:18 speaks of the hope set before us, "so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged." Conclusion The biblical concept of asylum, as exemplified by the cities of refuge, underscores the importance of justice, mercy, and protection within the community of God's people. It reflects God's character as a just and compassionate protector, providing a model for understanding His provision of spiritual refuge through faith in Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A sanctuary or place of refuge and protection, where criminals and debtors found shelter, and from which they could not be forcibly taken without sacrilege.2. (n.) Any place of retreat and security. 3. (n.) An institution for the protection or relief of some class of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons; as, an asylum for the aged, for the blind, or for the insane; a lunatic asylum; an orphan asylum. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASYLUMa-si'-lum: The custom of fleeing to specially sacred places to obtain the protection of a deity is found all over the world (Post, Grundriss, II, 252). In ancient Israel we meet with it in two forms-the asylum of the altar and the asylum of the cities of refuge. The altar at the House of God was a place to which persons in danger fled for protection (1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28). It had horns and must not be confused with the altars of earth or stone that were used for lay sacrifices. See ALTAR; SANCTUARY. Exodus 21:14 provides that a murderer is to be taken from the altar to be put to death. The law of the cities of refuge proceeds upon a somewhat different principle. Its objects are Strong's Hebrew 4733. miqlat -- refuge, asylum... 4732, 4733. miqlat. 4734 . refuge, asylum. Transliteration: miqlat Phonetic Spelling: (mik-lawt') Short Definition: refuge. Word ... /hebrew/4733.htm - 6k 2767. Chormah -- "asylum," a place in Simeon 4720. miqdash -- a sacred place, sanctuary 4583. maon -- dwelling, habitation 4152. muadah -- appointed Library Of the Asylum of Juno in Troy, which Saved no one from the Greeks ... Anniversary of an Orphan Asylum. For a Public Hospital or Asylum. HymnFor the British Orphan Asylum. The Almora Mission. Reed The Disturbance which the Greeks and Christians had About Attalus. ... Introduction to the Two Homilies on Eutropius. Visitors and Pastimes On the Government of God Thesaurus Asylum... 3. (n.) An institution for the protection or relief of some class of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons; as, an asylum for the aged, for the blind ... /a/asylum.htm - 8k Refuge (111 Occurrences) Carmel (33 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Home (270 Occurrences) Kedesh (12 Occurrences) Jesse (45 Occurrences) Lunatic (2 Occurrences) Luz (7 Occurrences) Gentiles (150 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about seeking/granting asylum? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org What impact did Friedrich Nietzsche have on the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.org Asylum: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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