Post by Mark on Aug 21, 2009 3:35:26 GMT -8
There are a couple of things that are worth noting about the cities of refuge. The first is that these are only for the person who has inadvertently or unintentionally killed someone. The murder must be killed for his (or her) crime. Effectually, this house arrest completely and dramatically alters one’s life. In other words, you can’t just say "I’m sorry" and go on as if nothing ever happened. Even damage done to others by accident bears consequences.
The second interesting point is that while the accident may occur anywhere in the galut (the exile), "every slayer" must flee to one of these cities which are in the land. This seems so contrary to popular thinking- one who kills among the gentiles would more likely be banished from the land; but Israel forsakes none of her children. Though their offense is grievous, they are brought home.
Mishneh
declares this text to have bold Messianic overtones. "When the boarders of Israel are enlarged" so as to need three more cities of refuge has not yet occurred. This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled concerning national Israel. God’s work concerning this, His people, is yet undone.
