Today we turn to Joshua 20 and the passage concerning the cities of refuge. At first glance it can feel distant—an ancient legal provision that seems far removed from Christian life in 2026. Yet the theme woven through this passage is both timeless and deeply relevant: the mercy of God expressed within His justice. Many people imagine justice and mercy as opposites—justice being strict legality, and mercy a relaxing of rules. But Scripture consistently shows God holding both together in perfect harmony. As we look at these cities of refuge, we discover a powerful picture of how God provides safety, grace, and hope for His people.
These cities remind us of the deeper truth that God Himself is our refuge. Throughout the Scriptures, God is described as a sanctuary and a safe place for the broken, the weary, and the overwhelmed. In our turbulent world—where news headlines seem endlessly troubling and personal pressures mount quickly—it is easy to lose sight of this. Even as Christians, we may become absorbed by what is happening around us and forget the One who offers peace in the midst of chaos. Today’s passage invites us again to step into the “refuge of God’s wings,” as the Psalms so beautifully describe it.
King David understood this well. Fleeing from Saul, hiding in caves, far from comfort or stability, he prayed: “Have mercy on me, O God… for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” This is not a prayer rooted in ideal circumstances but in desperation—and in trust. Many of us can relate. Whether through personal struggles or the challenges of a troubled world, we often find ourselves needing a place of spiritual shelter. The Psalms assure us that God’s unfailing love is a refuge available to “both high and low,” to all who come to Him.
As the Israelites settled into the Promised Land, God instructed Joshua to establish six cities of refuge—three west of the Jordan and three east of it. These were not random locations but strategically placed so that no one in Israel was more than a day’s journey (about 30 miles) from safety. In the ancient Near East, justice was often carried out by the family of the victim. If someone was killed, the nearest relative—the “avenger of blood”—was responsible for seeking justice. While this system deterred intentional murder, it created fear for anyone who caused death accidentally. God’s provision of refuge preserved justice while preventing a cycle of revenge.
The law was straightforward: a person who unintentionally caused death could flee to one of these cities. The elders would hear the case. If the act was found to be deliberate, justice was carried out; but if it was accidental, the person could remain in the city, protected from retaliation. Importantly, these cities were not only for Israelites—foreigners living among them were equally welcome. God’s mercy extended beyond ethnic boundaries, foreshadowing the New Testament declaration that “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile.”
Reflecting on this, it is difficult not to think about refugees in today’s world—people fleeing violence, hardship, or persecution seeking safety elsewhere. The issue is complex socially and politically, but the biblical principle remains: God’s heart is for those seeking refuge. Christians are called to see people not through the lens of fear or suspicion, but through the compassionate eyes of Christ. The cities of refuge invite us to examine our own attitude toward those in need of protection.
Many Christian commentators have long understood these cities as pointing forward to Christ Himself. Hebrews 6:18 speaks of believers who “have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” Just as the fugitive ran to the nearest city gate, so we run to Jesus. He is the ultimate refuge—where God’s justice and mercy meet most perfectly. Through His death, Jesus satisfies God’s righteous requirements and freely offers mercy to those who trust in Him. Every Christian is, in a sense, someone who has run to the refuge of Christ.
This is why the New Testament insists that salvation is found in Him alone: “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Though we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, in Christ we find a place of safety. The “avenger of blood”—the rightful demand of justice—cannot touch us when we place our faith in Jesus. He stands between us and judgment, not by denying justice but by satisfying it at the cross. This is what we call grace.
Interestingly, the names of the six cities reflect characteristics found fully in Christ. Kadesh means righteousness; Shechem means strength; Hebron, fellowship; Bezer, refuge; Ramoth, exalted or lifted up; and Golan may mean joy. Each of these captures part of the blessing Christ gives those who flee to Him. In Him we receive righteousness not our own. In Him we find strength for daily living. In Him we enjoy fellowship with God. In Him we discover refuge, joy, and hope.
Even the roads to these cities were kept in excellent condition—clear, accessible, and unobstructed—so no one would struggle to reach safety. There were signposts pointing the way, and bridges were maintained to ensure safe passage. The Gospel mirrors this: God has not hidden Christ behind complexity or mystery. The way to Him is open and well‑marked. Jesus does not invite the righteous but the weary, the burdened, and the sinful: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” His arms are always open, and His refuge is always available.
In Joshua’s day, the cities of refuge were only a safe haven for those judged innocent of intentional murder. But the refuge we find in Christ is far more radical: the worst sinner, the most broken person, the most damaged life may run to Him and be received with mercy. The cross reveals a God whose grace is not limited by our past but transforms our future.
Paul describes this reconciling work in Colossians: God made peace “through His blood, shed on the cross,” and now presents us “holy in His sight, without blemish, and free from accusation.” This is the breathtaking grace of God—justice fulfilled, mercy poured out, and reconciliation freely offered.
Therefore Scripture urges us not to delay. To run—not walk—to Christ. Every person must choose whether to keep running through life in fear or to run into the arms of the One who offers true refuge.
In a world quick to condemn and slow to forgive, Joshua 20 reminds us that God is our true sanctuary. As the Psalms declare:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever‑present help in trouble.”
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”
“Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
May we find Him to be our place of safety today, this week, and into eternity.
In Jesus’ name.