Numbers 35

We see here that the Levites were taken care of even though they did not personally possess land or dwellings. This was for a twofold purpose: 1) God was the Levites inheritance (Numbers 18:20), and 2) they were to be dispersed throughout Israel because they were disseminators of God’s truth (Deuteronomy 33:10).

Numbers 18:20 (WEB) “Yahweh said to Aaron, ‘You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.’ “

Deuteronomy 33:10 (WEB) “They shall teach Jacob your ordinances, and Israel your law.”

The cities of refuge show us the sanctity of life. Murderers were to be killed, but only if there was significant testimony to their guilt. In fact, life is so sacred that even manslaughter was seen as a significant crime. The offender’s freedom was restricted until either his death, or the death of the high priest.

Thought for the day: Life is sacred because we are made in the image of God!

Genesis 9:6 (WEB) “Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image.”