In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to set up cities of refuge. These cities were a place of safety for anyone who accidentally killed another person. Instead of facing immediate vengeance, the accused could flee to one of these cities and find protection until they stood trial. This system ensured that justice was served without undue bloodshed, and it provided a haven for those in desperate need.
Joshua 20:7-8 lists these cities of refuge: Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. Each city’s name carries significant meaning and points us to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ.
1. Kedesh (Holy or Sanctuary)
Meaning: Kedesh means “holy” or “sanctuary.”
Jesus is our sanctuary and holiness. In Him, we find a place of spiritual safety and purity. He sanctifies us and makes us holy.
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
2. Shechem (Shoulder or Ridge)
Meaning: Shechem means “shoulder” or “ridge.”
Jesus carries our burdens on His shoulders. He is our strong support and invites us to come to Him for rest.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
3. Hebron (Association or Fellowship)
Meaning: Hebron means “association” or “fellowship.”
Jesus offers us fellowship with God. Through Him, we are brought into a close relationship with the Father.
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
4. Bezer (Fortress or Stronghold)
Meaning: Bezer means “fortress” or “stronghold.”
Jesus is our stronghold and refuge in times of trouble. He provides protection and strength against the trials we face.
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).
5. Ramoth (Heights or High Place)
Meaning: Ramoth means “heights” or “high place.”
Jesus lifts us to spiritual heights. He raises us up and seats us with Him in the heavenly realms.
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).
6. Golan (Exile or Circle)
Meaning: Golan means “exile” or “circle.”
Jesus gathers the exiled and brings them into His fold. He seeks and saves the lost, offering them a place in His kingdom.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Just as the cities of refuge provided a safe haven for those seeking protection from vengeance, Jesus offers Himself as a refuge for sinners seeking forgiveness and redemption. He embodies the ultimate fulfillment of what these cities represented: safety, refuge, and a place of new beginnings. In Jesus, we find our true sanctuary, our support, our fellowship, our stronghold, our elevation, and our gathering place. Let us flee to Him, our eternal City of Refuge.
