Playlist: Cities of Refuge (topic)
Refuge! Refuge! (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn ancient Israel, cities held special significance, and among them, the cities of refuge stood out for their unique purpose. These cities, three on the eastern side of the Jordan and three on the western side, were established as havens for unintentional manslayers, as described in Joshua 20:7-8. Their importance is underscored …
Refuge! Refuge! (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe six cities of refuge, as detailed in Joshua 20:7-9, were established among the 48 cities of the Levites by God's specific command, recorded in Numbers 35:9-34 and Deuteronomy 19:1-14. These cities provided a sanctuary for individuals who accidentally caused a death, protecting them from the avenger of blood until their case …
Murder by Degrees
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod's called-out ones must curtail 'installment plan' serial sins which carry them to a fatal point of no return.
The Sixth Commandment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe discussion of cities of refuge arises directly out of an examination of the Sixth Commandment, "You shall do no murder," and its terse Hebrew wording, which biblical law clarifies through supporting scriptures such as Exodus 21:12-14. These verses establish that God distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental …
The Commandments (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCities of refuge appear as a key illustration within a broader argument that God does not treat all sins, laws, or persons as equally weighty, even though His standard—Jesus Christ—remains the same for everyone. The discussion draws on Deuteronomy 19:1-6, where Israel is commanded to establish three cities of refuge …
Amos (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGentile nations without God's revelation were held accountable for basic principles of humanity. God reserves the severest penalty for Judah and Israel.
Hebrews (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWith godly hope, we need to envision the successful accomplishment of God's purpose for us, realizing that God has bound that promise with an oath.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Cities of refuge appear within a broader discussion of Deuteronomy 19:1-7, where God provides a legal remedy for a man who kills another unintentionally, such as when an axe head slips from its handle and strikes a neighbor without prior hatred or malice. This provision demonstrates that accidental killing, though serious, does …
David and the Gibeonites
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSaul tried to placate God by massacring Gibeonites. Later, David yielded to the Gibeonites' by hanging Saul's descendants to avenge the slaughter. God was not pleased.