GOD IS MY REFUGE

 Chapter 35 God tells Moses to tell the Children of Israel they are to give of their inheritance to the Levites cities to dwell in and also to give them suburbs for the cities round about them.  Forty-two of these cities are for the Levites to dwell in and six are to be for refuge.  If a person was to kill somebody unaware, they could flee to the City of Refuge.  If he made it to the City of Refuge, the avenger could not kill him until he stood before the congregation in judgment.
If a person was to murder than they was to be put to death.  If it was an accident they was to stay in the City of Refuge during the life of the high priest. than they could return to their home.

Chapter 36 tells us of their inheritance.  The woman was to marry in the family of the tribe of their father.  This was done so the families could keep their inheritance in the family.  Concerning the children of Zelophehad , Numbers 36:6 says "let them marry whom they think best" establishing some basic women's rights to choose who they would or wouldn't marry.  It was no longer the right of the parents to dictate who they would or wouldn't marry.  The daughter had a say so now.  God has always been the forerunner of women's rights, whereas man and man's religion has always sought to oppress women.

I am so g lad that today God is our refuge.  We do not have to flee to a city.  He keeps us in his loving arms and forgives us our sins if we first ask.  He died for our sins so the devil (avenger) can not have us when we do wrong.  As I read of all the laws that the Israelites had to follow or be punished, often with death, I am glad that we live under grace.  Thank you God for saving me and keeping me in the refuge of your arms.