Lessons on Fairness from the Cities of Refuge

Daily Devotional – Sunday, February 25, 2024
And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment…
Joshua 20:6 (NKJV)

God is not only just; He also desires that His children exercise these virtues while dealing with one another. One of the best illustrations of this principle is the city of refuge. In Numbers 35:9–28 and Deut. 19:1–13, God instructs the Israelites to set aside six such cities once they settle in Canaan.

Appoints Cities of Refuge

In Joshua chapter 20, Joshua ensures God’s instructions are carried out. The purpose of these special walled dwellings is “that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there, and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.” (Verse 3).

God understands the human tendency toward revenge. He also knows that a person can kill unintentionally. For example, when a person is splitting wood, the axe head can loosen, and they can hit and kill another person. Such an action may translate to death by mob justice.

Until He Gets a Fair Hearing

“And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment and until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the slayer may return and come to his own city and his own house, to the city from which he fled.” (Joshua 20:6).

No matter how evil a person is perceived to be, he deserves an unbiased hearing. The unintentional killer has a God-ordained refuge until he can face an objective jury for judgment. They have to accept whatever the congregation decides, but they will have told their side of the story.

Lessons on Fairness from the Cities of Refuge

How fair are we with those we regard as evildoers? Are we ready to offer them a refuge from character assassination and other mob-related actions? Do we listen to their pleadings before deciding their fates? Are we and our churches cities of refuge for those who face unjust criticism? Do we model God’s fairness?

Prayer
Teach me how to listen before judging and to give others a fair hearing, the same way I would love people to treat me.