Numbers 35:11, commentary and pictures

The verse commands the appointment of cities of refuge where anyone who kills another person unintentionally, without intent or by accident, may flee and be safe until the case is judged. Six of the forty-eight Levite cities were to be set apart for this purpose, showing divine care and tender compassion for the unfortunate and erring. The provision is not for the willful murderer but guards the innocent from being rashly slain without trial by the avenger of blood, while still securing trial and punishment for guilt and for murder, thus limiting private vengeance without abolishing it. The refuge is open to Hebrews as well as strangers and sojourners.

The cities were placed within a half-day journey of every part of the land, with roads kept in good repair and signposts marked Refuge directing to refuge so the way could be found without difficulty. The fugitive must flee without delay, leaving family and work behind and never slackening pace until safe within the walls. His case is fairly tried before the congregation, and if found guiltless of intended murder he is protected only while remaining within its prescribed limits until the death of the high priest, when he may return home to his possessions, but if he wanders outside the avenger may take his life.

The cities symbolize Jesus Christ as the sure refuge for sinners, whose sacrifice fully atones for sin so that those who repent and trust in him find pardon, reconciliation with God, peace from guilt, and safety from the second death. As the accidental killer remained in danger until reaching the city, sinners remain exposed to divine wrath until they seek refuge in Christ, so delay and carelessness can cost salvation. The clearly marked road to the city represents the road to happiness for those journeying through the world, in contrast to disobedience, which leads to misery.

The church in a rebellious world is God's city of refuge, which he protects and holds as his own. Every school is to be such a city of refuge and shelter for tempted youth in a time of special danger when temptations surround them on every hand and drifting is easy while pressing against the current requires the strongest effort. This means the follies of youth are to be dealt with patiently and wisely by teachers who have removed from their own hearts and lives everything that would prevent successful dealing with the willful and disobedient, making love and tenderness, patience and self-control at all times the law of speech, with mercy and compassion blended with justice. Necessary reproof is to be given in humble, unexaggerated language that sets errors before the wrongdoer in gentleness and helps him recover himself, erring on the side of mercy rather than severity.