So, as well as a secure base (Bible Metaphors), we said we need a safe haven (Bible Metaphors 2). The Lord is our safe haven as we are reminded in the psalms above.
In the Old Testament, the establishment of the Cities of Refuge originated during the territorial distribution of the Promised Land of Canaan amongst the 12 tribes of Israel. There were 6 cities and they were named and known by all. To run into them was to be saved. This is the picture set for us in these psalms. The Lord is aligning himself with this picture of refuge, strong enough to offer security to any one who enters. The Cities of Refuge can be viewed as a foreshadow of God’s plan for our salvation through Jesus Christ.
Through the shedding of His blood, Jesus offers us protection from eternal death and separation from God if we confess our sins and take refuge in Him (Hebrews 6:18). He is our High Priest who acquits us from the condemnation of the law (Psalm 34:22).
Phyllis Coulter
