‏ Joshua 20

* The law concerning the cities of refuge. (1-6) The cities

appointed as refuges. (7-9)

1-6 When the Israelites were settled in their promised

inheritance, they were reminded to set apart the cities of

refuge, whose use and typical meaning have been explained, #Nu

35; De 19|. God's spiritual Israel have, and shall have in

Christ and heaven, not only rest to repose in, but refuge to

secure themselves in. These cities were designed to typify the

relief which the gospel provides for penitent sinners, and their

protection from the curse of the law and the wrath of God, in

our Lord Jesus, to whom believers flee for refuge, #Heb 6:18|. 7-9 These cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood

so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any

part of the country. God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all

Levites' cities. It was kindness to the poor fugitive, that when

he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the

servants of God with him, to instruct him, and pray for him, and

to help to make up the want of public ordinances. Some observe a

significance in the names of these cities with application to

Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our Refuge is the

holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his

shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the

fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for

he is a strong hold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high

or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with his own right hand.

Golan, joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are

justified, and shall glory.