“If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because the fugitive killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought. They are to stay in that city until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then they may go back to their own home in the town from which they fled.”
- Joshua 20:5-6 -

In providing refuge cities, "there were three aims – saving the life of the fugitive, purging the guilt of innocent blood, and preventing the risk of further bloodshed (Num 35:6–34; Deut 19:1–14; cf. 2 Sam 14:11" From Encounter with God). While the manslayer has protected his life from the avenger for he had no intention to kill, he remains as a prisoner in the refuge city 'until the death of the high priest' (6).

The refuge city exemplifies the salvation in Jesus Christ as he became the Savior for us who are destined to die for our sins (Jn 6:37). Just like the manslayer needed what he had done to the elders and the high priest, we also need to confess our sins to Jesus, our eternal high priest and be forgiven through the blood He shed.

Prayer: We thank Jesus who became the faithful high priest through His death on the cross. He is our refuge and our redemption. Praise be to Jesus.