GOD hath given commandment concerning those cities of refuge: Numbers 35:9-34. But of such importance was the thing itself, that Moses in the very opening as it were, of his sermon, breaks off to follow up the LORD'S precept concerning this thing. But is there not a gospel sense in it, and that of a very interesting nature? I think there is. Are not those cities of refuge all typical of JESUS? Is not everyone a manslayer, that slays his own soul by sin? And if the avenger of blood, which is death, overtake the sinner (and death is hourly pursuing him) before the poor soul-murderer hath found refuge in the blood, and righteousness of JESUS; is not his ruin inevitable? Reader! do not overlook the sweet mercy read to us in these verses, in that the city of refuge was open every way. Yes! JESUS is the way for every poor sinner to find refuge in; and he is open to both the Israelite and the stranger, from all parts of the earth: they shall come (our JESUS saith) from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Precious salvation!
I do not insist upon the names Moses gave to those cities: yet considered with an eye to JESUS, and as the Man of GOD hath particularized them with names, which in their original acceptation are peculiarly apposite to some of the distinguishing characters of JESUS; I do not think it would be right wholly to pass them by unnoticed. Observe that Bezer, in the original, signifies a strong hold. And is not JESUS a shelter and strong hold from the storm, and a refuge from the tempest? Isaiah 32:2. Rameth, signifies what is high or exalted. And to what an height of excellence and of glory, is the LORD JESUS in his redemption work exalted? Philippians 2:6-11. Golan intimates great joy and glory. And is it not said that in JESUS shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory? Isaiah 45:25.