Will you give God back the keys to the life He has given you? He’s looking for refreshers and rescuers.
Let’s linger longer at these special cities in Numbers 35. As Israel would make progress in claiming the land God had given them—while simultaneously executing His judgment on the wicked Canaanites—certain cities were to be set aside, 48 in all (v 7). These were for the priests and Levites. Once in the land, they no longer had to set up, take down, and transport the tabernacle as in the wilderness, but they were to teach the Word, encourage holy living, and adjudicate disputes. Thus they were strategically located throughout the tribes. They also needed “common-land” near these cities “for their cattle, for their herds, and for all their animals” (v 3), measured off in a ring “outside the city” for a distance of “two thousand cubits” in all directions (v 5). This became the “Sabbath day’s journey” (see also Jos 3:4). Now let’s imagine the situation as it developed during the conquest. We know Caleb captured Hebron. The city name, made famous by Abraham, means “fellowship.” With the help of his future son-in-law, Othniel, he took the heights of Hebron, cleaning out the giant sons of Anak who lived there. But as soon as the Lord gave it to him as he requested (14:12-13), He asked for it back! There are faithful servants who labor in My work, we might imagine God saying. Would you provide for them a place of rest and rejuvenation here in Hebron, Caleb? Oh, and let’s also have it as a place of refuge for those fleeing the avenger. It will mean you’ll be vulnerable, available 24/7 with the gates open. But isn’t this what God also asks of us? He wants the life He has given us to be given back to Him, so it can be used as a refreshment to God’s weary servants and also a refuge to those seeking His salvation. Are you available?