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King James Version (KJV)
“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody
Scripture focus
And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
Joshua 20:4 — KJV
Doth flee. The slayer was to flee with all haste. Every provision possible was made so that he might not be delayed in his flight. The roads leading to these cities were always to be kept in good repair. Wherever there were crossroads, road signs were to be posted pointing toward the city of refuge. Should the avenger of blood overtake him, the avenger was at liberty to take the slayer’s life. Upon the fleer rested the responsibility of reaching the city of refuge in time. None of these cities was more than a half day’s journey from any part of the land (see PP 515-517).
The ancient plan concerning the cities of refuge presents striking illustrations in the Christian life. The sinner must flee to the refuge Christ Jesus (Heb. 6:18) without delay. Those who know the way are to place signposts along the path. A great responsibility rests upon these guides, and carelessness may result in a sign pointing in the wrong direction and misleading a fleeing sinner.
Gate of the city. It was customary for the judges, or elders, of the city to sit at the entering of the gate to transact all legal business (see Ruth 4:1; 2 Sam. 15:2).
Take him into the city. Literally, “gather him into the city.” Having heard the fugitive’s story and being satisfied that at least his case demanded a fair trial, the elders were to perform the next act, that of gathering him in under their protection. Later on there would be a more extensive hearing which would decide the case.
By SdaBc
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