Numbers 35:32
And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.
Numbers 35:32 belongs to the Mosaic law that tempered the custom of blood revenge by distinguishing willful, premeditated murder from accidental killing. The death penalty for shedding human blood applied to the willful murderer, while one who caused death accidentally or unintentionally could flee to a city of refuge for protection and escape death. The fugitive could claim refuge and a fair trial upon fleeing. The elders' decision admitted him, while a regular trial before a higher court came later, after witnesses and accusers could appear.
Once admitted, he was safe inside the city but had to remain there until the death of the high priest, as also stated in Joshua's account. After that death he could return to dwell in his land and former life. Leaving before then left him unprotected and in danger from the avenger of blood, the dead person's relatives, and judgment. No satisfaction or payment could be taken to buy off the accidental killer or to pay for the right to return home before that appointed time of the high priest's death. The refuge was not permission to continue in sin but a means of preserving the transgressor's life.
The cities were God's appointment among His own people of old as true cities of safety. This stands in contrast to fortified cities of this world such as Babylon that claimed safety for themselves yet fell and now lie as dust and ruins. The cities of refuge are a type of the refuge found in Christ Jesus, with the city representing Christ and safety depending on remaining within the refuge. The high priest's death points to release from the restriction on leaving, and because Christ lives forever and intercedes for sinners, those who remain in him have a lasting refuge and the law's demand is satisfied. Leaving the refuge illustrates leaving Christ and rejecting his blood, which exposes a person to wrath and destruction. The law of the cities of refuge serves as an image for cities that offer refuge and care to people in need.