Commentary on "Cities of Refuge"

MARK MARTIN

 

Day 6: Thursday, December 24, 2009

 

How does 2 Samuel 22:3 reflect, at least somewhat, what the cities of refuge provided?

David realized that as God can provide cities of refuge; He is the ultimate refuge for all those who trust in Him. A good application for us today is found by this quote from Jesus; "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28.

 

In what ways do we find the same kind of refuge and protection in Christ that those who fled to the cities of refuge found? See John 8:10,11; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 6:18.

We find a much better refuge in Christ than was provided to Israel thousands of years ago. The cities of refuge in Israel provided refuge from physical and temporal punishment. Those who put their trust in Christ alone have a refuge from eternal punishment. In the days of the cities of refuge the slayer would be fleeing a close relative of the person that was killed. A close relative would be called upon to be a kinsman-redeemer. Though there were several roles for a kinsman-redeemer in this case they were to be an avenger. That will be the Lord’s role when time runs out for humanity. The role followers of Christ enjoy is like the role Boaz played in redeeming Ruth.

 

Summary

1. David realized his only real refuge was found in God.
2. What role of kinsman-redeemer will Christ fulfill for you? Place all your trust in Him alone for your salvation.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised December 18, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

Official Adventist Resources

Standard Edition Study Guide Week 13

Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 13

Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 13

Search the Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings