The Cities of Refuge
God's law for Israel was very thorough. God presented them with the instructions they needed to have an orderly and just society according to His nature and His will. Of course, the law recognized the terrible sin of murder, and God required that the one guilty of murder be killed, because he took a sacred human life. However, God knew there would be instances when a person was killed, but it was not murder. This is where we get the term "manslaughter." It is the unintentional or accidental killing of another person. (Joshua 20:1-3) In that case Moses told them to set aside 6 cities spread throughout the land, so the person who committed manslaughter could flee there for refuge. They were called the cities of refuge. When the person arrived, he would present his case to the elders in the gate of the city, and they would rule if it was manslaughter. If it was, he would live there safely until the death of the high priest. Then, he could return home. I think this gives us principles for us to consider in our lives today.
We all do things unintentionally or by accident. That is just part of being a fallible human being. When that happens, we do not deserve the same punishment as the person who does it intentionally or with malice. Therefore, we need to have a way to punish those actions, but to be merciful, at the same time. That is how God does for us, so we should do the same for others. The punishment should be enough to cause us to consider our actions, so we do not repeat them again. This is why the manslayer had to be separated from living with his family until the high priest died. That way he knew how serious his action was, and when he was able to return, he was remorseful and careful not to do it again. I believe it would encourage him to make it right with the other family, too. I would encourage all of us to think of ways we have hurt others unintentionally or accidentally. Then, let's confess our actions, seek reconciliation, and be very careful not to do the same thing again. This will be very pleasing to God.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 21-24.