The cities of refuge (20 v1-9), where places where those who had killed someone accidently or on purpose could flee to (v2-4). These were cities scattered throughout Israel, to insure proper justice and not just death by a fired-up avenger of blood.

In these cities we have a picture of Jesus. We’re all guilty of sinning before God and we all deserve His eternal wrath and eternal hell. But a way of rescue has been found in Jesus for those who flee to Him in faith.

It would have been sad if someone suffers death by failing to go to a nearby city of refuge. But, how much sadder is it that many suffer eternal judgment instead of fleeing to Jesus who is nearby.

In chapter 21 we have the distribution of cities and pasture land through out Israel for the tribe of Levi. This priestly tribe is to be scattered throughout the land in order to share their godly influence.

Those whoa re God’s people need to realise that we are a holy nation and a royal priesthood who have the task of sharing a godly influence in a wicked and dying world. How are you doing in this role?