Imagine how it would feel for a fugitive to step within the walls of a city of refuge. Safe at last!
When we last considered the six cities of refuge (Num 35), we didn’t think about the meanings of their names. Do they point to Christ? Remember, He’s the perfect place for those “who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Heb 6:18). So let’s consider that now (Deut 4:41-43). Kadesh means “holy place” or “sanctuary,” and the Lord is certainly the only safe place for sinners to flee. There we have imputed to us God’s own righteousness, making us saints (this is the word kadosh). “In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Ps 62:7). Shechem means “shoulder,” and the sinner saved by grace finds in Christ absolute security. He holds the government of the universe on one shoulder (Isa 9:6) but carries His lambs on both! “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders” (Deut 33:12). Hebron translates the word “fellowship,” and this is the privilege of every believer. “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit’” (Isa 57:15). Bezer means “stronghold,” and certainly “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble” (Nah 1:7). Ramoth is the word for “exalted,” and “God…made us alive together with Christ…and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:4-6). Golan carries the idea of a “circle” or “enclosure,” even the thought of “captive.” This is the happy captivation we enjoy, in the circle of His love. “How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (Ps 36:7, ESV).