Friday, July 29: Numbers 35- Truth and cities of refuge.

I am touched by the concept of a city of refuge. Long before the US and other governments talked about due process of law for people charged with a crime, God instituted cities of refuge. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly (12).

What a statement by the Lord.

God cares for justice, not simply vengeance. Justice suggests that truth comes out and people are judged according to the truth. Cities of refuge were a place where someone charged with murder could run to and find a safe haven until they are tried and the truth could surface. In verse 30, God accentuates the desire for truth, requiring more than one witness to convict someone of murder. Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

Again, truth is essential…

Especially in a world where a close relative could exact vengeance for a crime bound only by an eye for an eye, cities of refuge kept vigilante justice at bay and enabled truth to become the standard for justice.

Life is better when we listen to the Lord. Life is better when it is built on truth.

God, thank You for the gift of cities of refuge.  Thank You for caring about truth and restraining human desires to ‘get even’ or get ahead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.