REFUGE

JOSHUA 20



Pastor Rick Jackson



Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us



There can be no doubt that the writer of Hebrews intends to make a connection between our refuge, the Lord Jesus, and the cities of refuge in the nation of Israel. John R. Rice reminds us, "It is easy to see why this book is called the epistle to the Hebrews. From beginning to end the discussion is based upon the O.T. and the Hebrews' sacrifices and ceremonies, showing how they point to Christ." So too, do the cities of refuge point to our refuge, the Lord Jesus Christ!



"The names of the six cities are given in Joshua 20:7-8 as Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. The meanings of these names seem planned especially to foreshadow this spiritual application." -Henry Morris


I. KEDESH means "holy," specifically a holy place. [Eph. 1:3-4, 2:20-22]



II. SHECHEM means "shoulder", the place of burdens.



Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.



Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:



III. HEBRON means "association, company, fellowship,"



1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.



1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.



1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.



IV. BEZER means "strong, inaccessible, a hiding place." [Colossians 3:1-4].


V. RAMOTH means "high place" [Ephesians 2:1-7]



VI. GOLAN means "captive" and this would speak of our being set free from sin and death to become captive to Christ. "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive" (Ephesians 4:8). [II Cor. 10:1-5]