Then the Lord said to Moses: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.'”
Numbers 35:9-12
Kedesh is situated far in the north on the west side of the rift valley. With good farmland, it is obvious to see this being a solid spot to live. There aren’t a lot of ruins to see there, but we did see a herd of cattle. I suppose that means the site isn’t uninhabited. It was a little scary walking towards the cattle; the bulls had some large, menacing horns. Thankfully, the herd shuffled off as we approached. The biggest threat was watching our steps for some large, smelly messes on the ground.
God instructed his people to set aside six cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan. Kedesh was the northernmost on the west side (Joshua 20:7). The cities of refuge were set up to allow anyone who accidentally killed someone to flee to safety of retribution. The city was a sanctuary.
I wonder who walked through Kedesh and the sad stories they could tell. What did the inhabitants of the town think every time a stranger came running through the gate? I imagine neighbors sharing concerned glances with the impression, “Not another one”. Maybe someone would approach the stranger and say with a calm, reassuring voice, “It’s OK. You’re safe now.”
Lord my God, I take refuge in you;
Psalm 7:1
save and deliver me from all who pursue me