The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-09-05

take into consideration the prior relations of
slayer and his victim. If unkind feelings have
prevailed before the murder, 1T Is preJndiclai to
the cause OF the aYepgcr.
S. For Judgment. 3. After time. when
passion had subsidized. fair investigation was
made to determine whether the refugee were
guilty of murder. The ayenger could BIO pres
ent at said trial.
THE CITIES OF REFUGE
References
w Kedesh. 81 80; Chr, 6: 76.
Shechem. 81: 81; Gen., SO: Is, 10; 2
Chr. 1911.
Kirjath-arba. II rs; 81: II, 13
Mountain of Judah. st. Luz l 80.
VS. Beer 81: SO; Deu., 4:43; L Chr.
Ramntb. lbs; Ri, %: 3; L Chr,
80
Go!an. 21:27.
We These six were the cities appointed.
Nu., 30: Is.
Tie Cities.
There were six-three on the east side of the
Jordan and three OIL the west side. Moses had
already designated those the east side.
Deu.. 4:4l-43. 1t remained for the people to
select three the west side.
One should examine a map of Canaan and
two in the north two in the CENTER two at the
south. They were about 80 miles apart. so that
one fleeing could not have more than 80 miles
to run.
There were 43 Levitical cities and the six
refuge cities were chosen from these. Why?
Bush says that tho cases of maDslaughter
might be brought before those who might be
presumed to be most thoroughly versed IN the
law of God and most competent to give judg-
ment according to it,
Then it was well that q man, compelled to
live at a certain place. have religious ad van
tagcs lie was confined within radius Of 2, 900
cubits l3.62S feet) of the city. Within one
could STAY him.
He may dwell among them. It may be
asked why, if the proper judges were satisfied
of his innocence Of The crime of willful murder,
he were not at OIce dismissed from their juris-
dicton and suffered to go at Fargo usual.
The proper reply, doubtless, is ~ That he
might still be in danger from the enraged pas
sons of his pursuers. (2) He was to await the
issue of another trial. V. g. (3l His deten-
ton was probably designed somewhat of
punishment for the rashness or heedlessness to
which the homicide was owing. Something of
a penalty was to be paid for carelessness as we'll
as for crime.
Names.
l. Kedesh in Galilee. Name now is Kades.
1t was in Mount Naphtali, west of Lake Merom.
3. Shechem - tribe of Ephraim = between
Mts. Ebal and Gerizim, 81 miles north OF Jeru-
salem.
3. Kiristh- Uebron-in mountain of
JHdah-2O miles from Jerusalem-named also
El-khalii, Abdon, Mamfe-in tribe OF Judah
the city formerly OF Arba. who was one of the
Anakim.
A. Bezer-tribe of Reuben-some think it
Burszin.
5. Ramoth-tribo of God-in Gilead-called
Ill - clio end atrt
giles between the Isrseites and Syrians.
6. Golan-in Rashau-in half-tribe of Man.
nasseh-in Gaulanitis-modern name, Jaulan.
General Remarks as TO the Cities.
They were very conveniently located. 1t is
estimated no one was more than 30 miles from
one of the cities. The Law as to these six refugees
was held in esteem and recognized. Other
regulations besides those instituted by Moses
and Joshua became incorporated into the Juris-
prudence of the jews, as Is in the Rabbiui-
cal books.
with regard to the roads to the city of
refuge we are told that they were strictly pre-
served; every river was bridged, and every OBJ
struction removed, so that the man who fed
might find an easy passage to the city. Once a
year the elders went along the roads and
saw to their order, that nothing might i'm
pede the fight of any enc, and cause him
through delay to be overtaken and slain. How
gTaciOuSiy do tho promises OF the Gospel remove
stumbling blocks from the way. Wherever
there were by-roads and turnings, there were
fixed up hand posts with the inscription upon
them To the city of REFUGEE This is pic
ture of the road to Christ"
at was important that the roads leading to
these cities should be of the best character and
that the swift drumming murderer should not
mistake the way. Hence every stream was
bridged, every hill lowered. The road was to
be three rods wide. Stones were gathered from
il and every obstruction removed. Wherever
the road branched or the route changed sign
boards were erected bearing the word Miklat,'
refuge All the roads were to be carefully ex-
amined on the 18th of February"
We notice the cities of refuge were not for
the guilty. Life is held at very high price in
the Hebrew economy. If one were really guilty
not even the altar could insure him protection.
Ex.. 81: IA; XII, 2:2934.
The protection of the refuge cities was for
strangers (Gentiles) as we'll as Jews. Nu.,
35: To- Protection is q natural right to the
innocent.
The cities were all on high bills, easily seen
from distance. and SO made the more avail
able to those fleeing for asylum.
Christ orr Refuge
Heb, 6: 49, seems suggested by our lesson.
Many beautiful and significant likenesses are
found between the six refuge cities and our
Savior as to availability and effectiveness of
salvation.
Rev. ]. r. Kendrick. DID,. says: eff the
cities of refuge were not specifically designed
TO typify Christ, they at least supply natural
figure under which to set forth some of his most
important offices-a most vivid and beautiful
illustration of the benefits of the Gospel"