Cities of Refuge
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of That the slayer that kills any person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood." (Joshua 20:2-3)
The meaning of the names of the cities of refuge that were appointed by God at the founding of the nation of Israel are very interesting:
Kedesh, to make or be holy, and hence Kedesh, holiness, the full consecration of a person to God. Christ made us holy.That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.(Eph 5:27)
Shechem, to bear burdens, prop up, sustain, etc. Christ bore our burdens.Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30)
Hebron, to associate, join, conjoin, unite as friends; fellowship, friendly association. Christ made fellowship with God possible.That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1Jo 1:3)
Bezer, a fortified place, a fortress. Christ is our fortress in times of trouble.O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the nations shall come unto you from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things in which there is no profit. (Jer 16:19)
Ramoth, to be raised, made high or exalted. Christ has been exalted-and has taken us with Him.Therefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (Phi 2:9)
Golan, to rejoice, hence Golan, rejoicing or exultation. Christ has made us rejoice in God through Him. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)