STS Preview Vol 3 Lesson 122

STS PREVIEW VOL 3 LESSON 122
Recap of last week study: lesson 121 PREPARATION FOR POSSESSION OF THE
LAND
Text: Numbers 3 2: 1 – 42; 33: 1 – 56; 34: 1 – 29.
Lessons
1. Believers should rest on the unfailing promises of God
2. Believers can only get the best of God’s inheritance here and in eternity through obedience
to His word.
3. Walking by sight and making decisions on the basis of rational or sense evidence alone can
mislead a believer to settle for something less than God’s perfect will.
4. Record keeping helps in evaluation, planning and decision making in the church or
personal endeavour.
5. Christian leaders should develop able men and women who will carry the gospel to all the
nooks and crannies of their societies.
TOPIC FOR TODAY’S STUDY
THE CITIES OF REFUGE
MEMORY VERSE:
Numbers 35:11. Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may
flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
TEXT: NUMBERS 5: 1 – 34
INTRODUCTION
The Levites had no inheritance among the tribes of Israel. The eleven tribes were to give out of
their land 48 cities and suburbs to the Levites. Six of these Levitical cities were designated cities
of refuge.
Q 1. Explain the purpose of the cities of refuge
Ans. The city of refuge was a place where the manslayer would run to hide until their case was
determined
In a lawful assembly
It shows God’s concern, compassion and mercy on those who committed murder without malice.
It gave the manslayer the opportunity for fair trial before judgment is passed.
It saves the villain from cruel revenge
Q 2. In what way does the cities of refuge symbolize Christ?
Ans. Jesus Christ our High Priest is a refuge for the repentant sinner who comes to him in faith.
Such a sinner escapes the wrath of God’s judgement to come.
COMMAND TO PROVIDE CITIES FOR THE LEVITES
Numbers 35: 1- 5; Deuteronomy 18: 1,2; Joshu 13: 14, 33; 21:1,2,
The command to provide cities for the Levites was given so that the ministry of teaching the word
of God will be widespread among the people. The Levitical cities were to be given based on the
proportion of the inheritance of each tribe. Also, the provision of the city was to help the Levites
concentrate on their ministry and avoid distraction in the service of the tabernacle.
Q 3 What lessons can believers learn from the command to give cities and suburbs to the Levites?
Ans. A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
Believers are to be content with what God has given them.
We must avoid the widespread evil of covetousness and materialism.
CONCEPT OF THE CITIES OF REFUGE
Numbers 35: 6-15; Exodus 21: 13; 32: 25,26; Joshua 20: 1-9.
Six cities out of the 48 Levitical cites were designated cities of refuge – three located on the eastern
border and three on the western border of river Jordan. They were to be well spaced out with good
access roads for the manslayer to take refuge in this temporary asylum. The manslayer lives among
the Levites until his case is determined before the Judges where the offence was committed. If
found guilty the manslayer is handed over to the avenger of blood – a kinsman of the deceased. If
not guilty of willful murder, the manslayer is returned to the city of refuge where he will remain
till the death of the high priest. After which he was free to return to his own city.
Q 4. Point out the guidelines for maintaining those cities.
Ans. The cities of refuge were to be well spread and strategically located on both sides of river
Jordan so that the manslayer can reach the nearest one on time.
The access roads to the cities must be well paved and free of obstructions.
They were to serve as temporary asylum for the manslayer until his case is tried before the Judges.
The manslayer must be returned to the city of refuge if not guilty of willful murder and must remain
within the confines of the city until the death of the high priest.
CONDITIONS OF SAFETY IN THE CITIES OF REFUGE
Number 35: 16-35Joshua 20: 3-6; Ezekiel 3: 20,21; 18: 24-32
Q 5. What basic condition must the manslayer fulfill to remain secure in the city of refuge?
Ans Staying in the city of refuge requires self-control and discipline.
He must submit to the regulations of the Levites who kept the city.
He must abide within the confines of the city of refuge and resist any temptation to violate his
confinement in the city.
Q 6. Point out some key lessons from God’s appointment of the cities of refuge.
Ans There is provision for mercy and pardon for the penitent.
God hates sin and injustice to the innocent.
The way of salvation must be accessible to every penitent sinner who turns to Christ for salvation.
The provision of the city of refuge is for ALL irrespective of status and gender.
The sinner must repent of his sin, exercise faith in Christ and pray for a genuine experience.
Q 7. Why did God instruct the Israelites not to pollute the land and what do we learn from that.
Ans. God’s was present among them, so the land must be kept free from pollution.
God dwells in us, so we must keep our lives free from all forms of pollution

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