Any of the Israelites or any alien living among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly. Joshua 20:9
I've always known that a city of refuge in Israel was a place someone could avoid death for the unintentional death of another. But somehow I had a sense that being in a city of refuge kept one from judgment.
This is not the case.
A city of refuge was not some "get out of jail free" way of avoiding a trial. The death, whether it was intentional or not, would still be judged. And if guilt was determined, there was no place to avoid the sentence.
A refuge is a place of protection - not necessarily a place of escape. Judgment must still be passed. Consequences must still be faced. Eventually, deeds will be counted, and sin will be punished.
Lord, someday we will all stand before the judgment seat. Nothing can keep us from the trial that will determine our eternal fate. What an awful day that will be for those who have not received Your grace. When we die, heaven doesn't wait for all. Death is not some "get out of jail free" way of avoiding judgment. Sadly, there will be many who have no one to take their place. Your Son was sentenced on our behalf, and many have pushed Him away. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Yet on that day, there will be rejoicing, for the Lamb of God has already borne the punishment for those who believe. Help me, Father, to reach out to the lost. There is hope! There is an eternal refuge that awaits! Give the world ears to hear You.