Ver. 3. Thou shalt prepare thee a way, &c.— The Jewish rulers added a number of other laws for keeping those roads in continual repair, that the person might meet with no obstruction in his flight. These roads, according to them, were to be thirty-two cubits in breadth, smooth and plain. At every place where the road parted, a post was to be set up to direct him, which had the word מקלט miklat, REFUGE, engraven upon it. Every brook or river was to have a good bridge; all watery places were to be drained, and the surface kept smooth and hard. Once a year, at least, in the month of Adar, which answers in part to our February, the magistrates of every city were obliged to visit them, and see that they were kept in good order; otherwise, in case the avenger chanced to overtake and kill the slayer, the magistracy of the place were adjudged guilty of his death. As for the cities of refuge, they were to be of a moderate size, well furnished with water, provisions, and artists. For more respecting the cities of refuge, we refer the reader to the notes on Numbers 35:12-24.
REFLECTIONS.—(1.) These cities are representative of Christ: the sinner fleeth to him, and is safe. (2.) Ministers are the directories, to teach the way, and assist such as desire to flee from the wrath to come. (3.) The way is plain, and the city near, for every awakened soul which truly flies for refuge. If any sinner perishes, his blood is on his own head, because he neglects so great a salvation.