SUMMARY
Lacking a tribal inheritance, the Levites were spread around the holdings of the other tribes in specific cities. Six of these cities – three on each side of the Jordan – were to be cities of refuge for those accused of unintentional killing.
ANALYSIS
The Levites were not afforded tribal land in the same process as the 12 tribes. Instead, they were given cities, and the lands surrounding those specific cities as an inheritance, fulfilling Jacob’s angry words that Levi would be scattered in Israel (Genesis 49:5-7).
From north to south on the east side of the Jordan, the Levites received the cities of Golan, Ramoth, and Bezer. On the west side Kadesh, Shechem, and Hebron were to be sanctuaryA sanctuary is the consecrated area around the altar of a church or temple. It also means a place of safety where one can flee for protection. In the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, God is referred to as a sanctuary, a refuge from... More cities. If a person accidentally killed someone, they were to flee to the city of refuge before the kinsman-redeemer or blood avenger caught up with them. Once there, they were given a trial. If, indeed, the death was accidental, the one guilty of manslaughter had to stay in the city until the death of the high priestThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus. More or face lethal revenge. If the person survived until after the death of the high priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More, she or he was free to go without fear of revenge.
