Topical Bible: Highways: Made to all Cities of Refuge

◄ Highways: Made to all Cities of Refuge ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, highways to the cities of refuge hold significant importance as they were divinely ordained pathways designed to ensure justice and mercy within the Israelite community. The concept of cities of refuge is introduced in the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. These cities were established as safe havens for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

Biblical Foundation

The establishment of cities of refuge is first mentioned in Numbers 35:9-15, where God commands Moses to set aside six cities for this purpose. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there" (Numbers 35:10-11). These cities were strategically located throughout the land to be accessible to all Israelites.

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of these cities was to provide protection and ensure due process for those who had accidentally caused the death of another. Deuteronomy 19:3 instructs, "You are to prepare the roads and divide the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance into three regions, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities." This directive underscores the importance of accessibility, emphasizing the need for well-maintained highways leading to these cities.

Construction and Maintenance

The highways to the cities of refuge were to be kept in excellent condition to facilitate quick and unhindered access. Jewish tradition holds that these roads were to be wide, clearly marked, and free of obstacles. Signposts were placed at crossroads with the word "Refuge" to guide the fugitive. This meticulous preparation reflects the value placed on life and justice, ensuring that even those who had caused accidental harm could find safety and a fair hearing.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the cities of refuge and their highways symbolize God's provision of mercy and justice. They illustrate the balance between the sanctity of life and the need for compassion. The cities serve as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is our ultimate refuge. Hebrews 6:18 speaks to this, stating, "We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged." Just as the highways led to physical safety, Christ provides spiritual refuge for those seeking forgiveness and redemption.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of sanctuary was not unique to Israel. However, the biblical cities of refuge were distinct in their divine mandate and the equitable justice they offered. The highways ensured that all individuals, regardless of their tribal affiliation or social status, had equal access to these sanctuaries. This reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and care for the vulnerable within society.

Conclusion

The highways to the cities of refuge represent a profound aspect of Israelite law and society, emphasizing God's provision for justice, mercy, and protection. They serve as a testament to the value placed on human life and the divine imperative to uphold justice while extending grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 19:2,3
You shall separate three cities for you in the middle of your land, which the LORD your God gives you to possess it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Antichrist in Isaiah
... there is not his like, who is made without fear. ... Antichrist is found in v.8: "The
highways lie waste ... Israel, sacks their cities, and defies all human government ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/1 antichrist in isaiah.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the ... nathiv, from nathav, to tread
down), a made or cast ... clergy were exempt from this as from all other taxation (7 ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

God's Purpose for his Church
... all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be ... They thought their own righteousness
all-sufficient, and did not ... The salvation of God must be made known in ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... be prejudicial to Chilperic's paternity is not made clear ... was to become sole king
of all the Frankish ... interest in the public works, highways, bridges, monuments ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... than a century owing to the civil wars: the highways were repaired ... fortress of Timnath,
and subsequently by Ekron itself, all three being made to feel ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of course some similar understanding with the cities of the ... verses represent, as
a matter of fact, all that we ... that, together with Eli, he was made to figure ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... and was sometimes used to denote cities which had ... Lord of Naharaim of whom the Egyptian
scribes made such a ... who seems to exercise authority over all the chiefs ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... of war and bloodshed were still visible along the highways and fields in ... honors,
and his deep devotion to God, made an impression upon all who bore ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Tiglath-pileser crossed the river, and made a demonstration in ... Borsippa, Kuta, Kishu,
Dilbat, and Uruk, "cities without peer," and offered in all of them ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The General Conference of 1808
... again to go out into the hedges and highways, the towns ... Christ Jesus, our eternal
union with them all, in ascribing ... us in his own blood, and hath made us kings ...
/.../chapter 7 the general conference.htm