1. Cities of refuge (1-14)

God commanded the Israelites to set up cities of refuge, where a person who accidently killed someone could flee and live in until justice was served. If they were innocent, they would be safe from the avenger of blood. But if they were guilty of intentional bloodshed (murder), that person would be handed over to the avenger of blood for punishment. Our God is the God of justice. He judges sin severely. He did so by sending Jesus to the cross so that we could be saved from our sins.

2. Witnesses (15-21)

These verses describe the LORD God's criminal justice system. No one was to be found guilty on one person's word. There must be two or more witnesses to a crime. If a person gives false testimony about another person, that person is a liar and would be dealt with most severely. 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' is not license for revenge. Rather, it is a way to practice justice without partiality.


Application: Lord, thank you for being a God who seeks justice. Help us that we may not take revenge on our enemies but may let you judge.
One Word: God seeks justice in the world