The Refuge
God and appointed cities offer safety for the righteous and unintentional slayer.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The concept of refuge in Scripture encompasses both physical sanctuaries and divine protection. In the Old Testament, God established six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6, Numbers 35:13-14) where a person who killed someone unintentionally could flee to escape the avenger of blood (Numbers 35:11-12, Numbers 35:15). These cities, such as Hebron, Shechem, and Golan (Joshua 21:13, Joshua 21:21, Joshua 21:27), provided safety until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25, Numbers 35:28). Beyond these physical cities, God Himself is repeatedly described as a refuge—a strong tower, a shelter for the oppressed, and an eternal refuge with everlasting arms (Proverbs 18:10, Psalms 9:9, Deuteronomy 33:27).
Lore & Background
God Himself is portrayed as a refuge in a more personal and spiritual sense. The name of the LORD is a strong tower where the righteous run and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). He is a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble (Psalms 9:9), and His eternal arms are underneath His people (Deuteronomy 33:27). In the New Testament, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, desiring to gather its children as a hen gathers her chicks, but they refused (Matthew 23:37)—an image of rejected refuge. The writer of Hebrews speaks of those who have fled for refuge to lay hold on hope, anchored in God's unchangeable promises (Hebrews 6:18).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray refuge as both a literal and metaphorical safe space. The cities of refuge were tangible, geographic locations appointed by God through Moses and Joshua (Numbers 35:6, Joshua 20:2), designed to protect the unintentional killer from the avenger of blood (Numbers 35:12). The slayer's safety was conditional: he had to stay inside the city until the high priest's death (Numbers 35:25, Numbers 35:28). This system emphasized justice tempered with mercy, as no ransom could substitute for the prescribed period (Numbers 35:32). In contrast, divine refuge is unconditional for the righteous: the LORD is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10), a refuge for the oppressed (Psalms 9:9), and an eternal shelter (Deuteronomy 33:27). David calls God his rock, shield, high tower, and refuge (2 Samuel 22:3). The New Testament expands this by presenting Jesus as a gathering refuge rejected by Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37), and the hope set before believers as a refuge secured by God's immutable promises (Hebrews 6:18). Thus, refuge moves from a physical city to a personal relationship with God.
Did You Know?
- The six cities of refuge were Hebron, Shechem, Golan, Kedesh, Ramoth, and Beeshterah (or similar names) (Joshua 21:13, Joshua 21:21, Joshua 21:27, Joshua 21:32, Joshua 21:38).
- The cities of refuge protected not only Israelites but also strangers and sojourners (Numbers 35:15).
- The slayer had to remain in the city until the death of the high priest; leaving early could result in lawful execution by the avenger (Numbers 35:25-28).
- God is described as a 'refuge for the oppressed' and 'a refuge in times of trouble' (Psalms 9:9).