1. Designate cities of refuge (1-3; 7-10)

The Lord God is merciful, and he is just. He reveals himself through his word, and his laws reflect his character. He spoke to Moses, then to Joshua concerning the establishment of cities of refuge. The purpose of these cities was to keep people from committing acts of revenge, and to ensure that justice was carried out. God is just, but he tempers justice with mercy. The guilty should be punished, but God does not want his people to harbor a spirit of revenge. A vengeful spirit destroys the man or nation that holds on to it. God's people must not nurse grudges.

2. The accused must stand trial (4-6)

Although a man accused of manslaughter was protected from the avenger of blood by taking refuge in the city of refuge, he could not use the city of refuge as a ploy to obstruct justice. He must have a fair trial before the assembly.

Application: Lord, thank you for not punishing me according to my sins. Thank you for Jesus, my great city of refuge.
One Word: Justice tempered with mercy