The Levites weren’t allowed to own any land in Canaan, because the Lord was their portion (Deut. 10:9). For this reason Israel was to designate specific cities for the Levites to live in (Num. 35:1-5). Those six cities were assigned to be “cities of refuge.” If an Israelite or stranger unintentionally killed a person, then the “manslayer” could flee to the nearest city of refuge. The manslayer would be safe if the victim’s family wanted to exact revenge. The manslayer would stand trial before the elders of the city to judge whether or not he was guilty or innocent. If found guilty, he would be turned over to the avenger of blood, and put to death. If the death was judged to be inadvertent, then the manslayer would have to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. The manslayer was safe as long as he remained in the city of refuge. However, if he were to take one step out of the city, the avenger of blood would be free to kill him.
We see in the cities of refuge wonderful types and shadows. The Law of God is the avenger of blood chasing after the sinner (Rom. 7:10; 2 Cor. 3:7). The penalty for transgression of the Law is death (Rom. 6:23). The only hope for the sinner is to flee to Jesus Christ, the refuge from sin and death (Heb. 6:18). As long as the sinner remains in Christ, he will be safe from the avenger of blood (Heb. 6:4-8). Jesus Christ, thankfully, is a High Priest that ever liveth (Heb. 6:19-20).
Dear reader, have you sinned against God’s Law? Run to Christ, our refuge! The cities of refuge were for Hebrews and strangers alike (Num. 35:15). Refuge from sin and death is available for all people. Run to Him, and be saved.