Now instructions are given for the Levites to be given 48 towns with pasture lands to live in across Israel (v1-8). The Levites living across the land was to insure that the responsibility for the support they needed to receive was divided among the people. It also meant that their godly influence would be divided among the people and a part of their everyday lives.

6 of the Levite cities would be called cities of refuge where someone accused of murder could flee to and enjoy safety until they have had a trial (v9-12). The cities were divided out geographically so that they would be within travelling distance to all of God’s people (v13-15).

Guidance is then given about when someone is guilty of murder or not (v16-24). Instructions are also given about how the accused are to be protected and how the guilty are to be dealt with (v25-32).

The shedding of blood was something very serious and not something to be dealt with lightly (v33-34).

We must also remember that there is seriousness in all our sin and we need to run to our city of refuge which is Christ. We must run to Jesus for initial salvation but also for ongoing forgiveness (see 1 John 1 v7-9).