Numbers 35:1-3; 9-19
Numbers 35:1-3; 9-19, ESV
The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, “Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites some of the inheritance of their possession as cities for them to dwell in. And you shall give to the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities shall be theirs to dwell in, and their pasturelands shall be for their cattle and for their livestock and for all their beasts...
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment. And the cities that you give shall be your six cities of refuge. You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge. These six cities shall be for refuge for the people of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills any person without intent may flee there.
"But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall be put to death. And if he struck him down with a stone tool that could cause death, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall be put to death. Or if he struck him down with a wooden tool that could cause death, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall be put to death. The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death.
Our Prayer
Prayer Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Blessed are You, O Lord, our God creator of the universe, who has given us the gifts of bodies and sustains them. Bless your servants, Steve, Elizabeth, and Michael, and all who suffer in their
minds and bodies. Protect and preserve Your servants who trust in you and bring them your healing and peace so that they may recover to full health and strength according to Your will.
Lord God, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Continue to grant us this knowledge and trust in You, O Lord. So that when the nations rage, and kingdoms
totter, we may always know that the Lord of hosts is with us; and You, O Lord, are our fortress. Let us not be shaken by the trials and uncertainties in life.
Lord of mercy, you teach us that blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Grant to all who bring this truth— especially those who work with Apple of His Eye—
faithfulness and wisdom in proclaiming the forgiveness won for us in Jesus Christ so that all people may know that they do not need to carry guilt or grief but they can run to Jesus as their
city of refuge from the judgment for sin. Bless all who witness to this truth with firmness of conviction, love for their neighbors, and creativity in their work.
All these things we pray in the Holy Name of Yeshua Hamashiach Amen!