Joshua was always obedient to the requirements of God that were given to Moses. So he proceeded to carry out the law in relation to the cities of refuge. In the case of deliberate murder, the Law permitted the avenger of blood to exact punishment, essentially a life for a life. But to guard against a miscarriage of justice, cities of refuge were appointed where the accused could flee for safety so that his case could be considered properly away from the emotions that death always brings, providing divine protection for the manslayer. In His mercy God created refuge for all people before we even knew we needed it; He sent His Son so we could find salvation and refuge in Him. In the current spiritual war, the local church is the hands and feet of God’s practical grace and mercy; it should be the place that stands between the enemy and the accused