John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel , etc.] For the common use of them all, and not for that tribe only in which they stood: and for the stranger that sojourneth among them ; not only for the proselytes of righteousness, but for the proselytes of the gate also, as well as for the natives of Israel; Christ is a refuge for Jews and Gentiles, for all sinners that flee to him: that whosoever killeth any person unawares might flee thither ; and find shelter and safety: and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood ; getting thither before he could overtake him: until he stood before the congregation : either before the congregation, the elders of the city, or court of judicature in the city of refuge, or before the court of his own city, from whence he fled, if summoned thither.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-9 - These cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood so that man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all Levites' cities. It wa kindness to the poor fugitive, that when he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the servants of God with him, to instruc him, and pray for him, and to help to make up the want of publi ordinances. Some observe a significance in the names of these citie with application to Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and ou Refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called int the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high of exalted, for Him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, jo or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified, and shal glory _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew אלה428 היו1961 ערי5892 המועדה4152 לכל3605 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 ולגר1616 הגר1481 בתוכם8432 לנוס5127 שׁמה8033 כל3605 מכה5221 נפשׁ5315 בשׁגגה7684 ולא3808 ימות4191 ביד3027 גאל1350 הדם1818 עד5704 עמדו5975 לפני6440 העדה׃5712