“…You shall separate… You shall prepare roads for yourself… that any manslayer may flee there. …that he may live… lest the avenger of blood… overtake him… though he was not deserving of death…” (Deuteronomy 19:1-6 NKJV). God gave the children of Israel in this passage a commandment concerning the cities of refuge that were to be created in the land of Israel after it received its inheritance. These cities were to be a refuge, not for evildoers but for those who were responsible for an accidental death (i.e., who committed manslaughter). No malice, ill-intent or premeditation existed by those who would seek shelter in the cities of refuge. They would be tried, judged and remain in that city until the death of the current High Priest, at which time they could return home and be safe from harm.
This was an important law that had connections to a number of events in the Old Testament, but the law itself is not the focus of this article. Instead, it is the principle God used to explain the command. God provided clear instruction that there was to be no delay in accomplishing this task. The separation was to happen, the preparation was to happen, the clarification was given and the evaluation was mandated, which resulted in protection. Consider those four steps.
1. Separation.
God established the value of consecration, sanctification or separation that a specific item (in this case a city) might be available for a special designated service. It is of interest that God told the Christian to “lay something aside” each week from his own financial blessings in accordance with how God has prospered him (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). God tells us to separate out a portion to make it available for His purposes.
2. Preparation
God did not just tell Israel to separate out the cities. He told them to build the roads. God commanded that infrastructure be put in place so that when the need arose, there was immediate access to the needed infrastructure. Paul wrote to Corinth, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
Paul indicated that the funds were to be collected in advance (each first day of the week – specifically, Sunday on our calendar) so that they would be immediately available when the specified purpose was at hand. If we understand what God commanded in the Old Testament, that may even require some infrastructure and planning occur in addition to the gathering.
3. Clarification & Evaluation
God clarified the use for the cities of refuge. He was not providing refuge for murderers but for those who were truly in need. When we give as we have been commanded, we are given clear instruction in Scripture that those funds are to be reserved for those who are truly in need. Those who did the separation and preparation were also to be involved in evaluation (1 Timothy 5:4-5).
4. Protection
God wants His people to protect the innocent, defend the defenseless and provide a safe haven for those who are not guilty and unworthy of punishment. Too often, we are ill-prepared to do that because we have not observed the necessary first steps of (1) Separation, (2) Preparation and (3) Clarification & Evaluation. Remember to practice the first three steps so that you can offer protection to those who need it, because they will be desperate now. “…Rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
[Editor’s Note: We learn valuable lessons and garner important information that can serve us even beyond their original application (Romans 15:4). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
