Our text today would have had a special resonance for these Hebrew believers who were wavering between going back to the temple system in Jerusalem and continuing on in the walk of faith in Jesus Christ. This epistle had the perfect answer for them by pointing them to the Law of Moses, which they fully trusted as inspired by God, pointing them to the cities of refuge found in Numbers 35.

The Holy Spirit points to the fulfillment: “That … we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (6:18). God reminds them they had “fled for refuge” to Christ. Under the Law, when an Israelite had killed someone unintentionally, and became a manslayer, they had a refuge where they could flee in order to escape vengeance and death. As Jews, these Christians had been guilty of the death of Christ due to their association with the nation. They had not intentionally murdered their Messiah; thus they were manslayers. Many years previous to this epistle, the apostle Peter told them with respect to the crucifixion of Christ, “I know you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17).

In the city of refuge the guilty Israelite had protection as long as the high priest lived (Num. 35:25); he could stay until the death of that high priest. The wonderful truth of Hebrews is that this Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, “always lives” to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). He is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. He will never die: thus the Jewish believers were secure. This is true for us, as well, who have come to Him by faith. He is our hope and anchor!