Cities of Refuge in the Bible
Quick Summary
The six cities of refuge in the Bible were part of God’s legal system for ancient Israel, offering temporary protection to those who unintentionally caused someone’s death. Located throughout the land, they ensured that justice could be pursued without revenge. These cities reflect God’s heart for both mercy and due process—and foreshadow the ultimate refuge found in Christ.
Introduction
In a world where justice was often swift and violent, the Bible introduced a countercultural idea: cities of refuge. These were places of safety, not for the guilty escaping justice, but for the innocent awaiting it. Mentioned in Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19, and Joshua 20, they were more than legal infrastructure. They were sacred spaces that embodied God’s compassion.
The cities of refuge were woven into the landscape of Israel. They were accessible, intentional, and symbolic. For anyone who had accidentally killed someone, they offered a place to run, not to hide from truth, but to let truth be heard.
What Were the Cities of Refuge?
These were six designated cities across the land of Israel where someone who had killed another person unintentionally could flee for protection. They would remain there until their case could be judged by the community.
They prevented blood revenge by the “avenger of blood.”
They ensured a fair trial and helped distinguish between murder and manslaughter.
They protected the land from bloodguilt caused by unjust killings.
Where Were the Cities of Refuge Located?
According to Joshua 20 and Numbers 35, the six cities were:
West of the Jordan River:
Kedesh in Galilee (tribe of Naphtali)
Shechem in Ephraim
Hebron in Judah (also known as Kiriath-arba)
East of the Jordan River:
Bezer in Reuben’s territory
Ramoth in Gilead (tribe of Gad)
Golan in Bashan (tribe of Manasseh)
These cities were evenly spread across the land, making them accessible to everyone. Roads to them were to be kept clear and maintained (Deuteronomy 19:3), ensuring a quick path to safety.
Who Could Flee There?
Israelites
Foreigners or resident aliens living among them (Numbers 35:15)
This inclusion shows God’s justice was not tribal—it was universal within the community of the covenant.
How Did the Cities of Refuge Work?
Here’s how the system functioned:
A death occurred—but it was unintentional (e.g., an accident during work).
The accused fled immediately to the nearest city of refuge.
The elders at the gate heard their case preliminarily.
If accepted, the person was given shelter and protection.
A formal trial would later determine guilt or innocence.
If found innocent, the person had to remain in the city until the high priest died (Numbers 35:25).
After the high priest’s death, the person could return home without fear.
The Role of the “Avenger of Blood”
The “avenger of blood” (Hebrew: goel haddam) was typically a family member of the deceased, responsible for carrying out vengeance. The cities of refuge interrupted this cycle by introducing a pause for justice.
If the killing was deemed murder, the avenger could act.
If it was accidental, vengeance was not permitted.
This system balanced personal responsibility with communal safeguards.
Cities of Refuge and the Levitical System
All six cities of refuge were Levitical cities, meaning they were inhabited by the Levites—the priestly tribe. Their presence helped ensure that wisdom, impartiality, and spiritual discernment guided the legal process.
There were 48 Levitical cities in total (Numbers 35:7), with these six set apart as special sanctuaries.
Theological Significance
The cities of refuge tell us something deep about God’s character:
God protects the innocent.
God values process, not mob justice.
God cares about the integrity of the land and the community.
They also serve as a foreshadowing of Christ:
In Christ, we find refuge—not just from human vengeance, but from the judgment of sin.
Like the high priest whose death freed the fugitive, Jesus’ death opens the way for our release (Hebrews 9:11–14).
The path to Jesus is clear, and all are invited.
Why It Matters Today
The cities of refuge are ancient, but their message is current. We live in a time of reaction, accusation, and outrage. The biblical model points toward:
Fair process
Refuge for the vulnerable
A justice system grounded in truth and mercy
It also reminds every believer: when the weight of guilt or fear threatens us, there is a place to run. Not to a city, but to a Savior.
