087. A Strong Tower

A Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10) "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." The law of retaliation in the East places upon the nearest relative the duty of killing the slayer. It matters not whether the death results from an accident or a planned murder. The Mosaic code provided six Cities of Refuge, three in convenient places on each side of the Jordan River, where the slayer could find shelter from the blood avenger. He would not be allowed to leave the City of Refuge during the life of the officiating high priest. After the high priest died, the penalty was remitted. These cities were not planned to shield the murderer, but to protect him until he had a trial, and if he was found guilty, he must pay the penalty.

However, that was not all the protection given. A man running for his life, could, if overtaken, call upon the name of some great sheikh, thus placing himself under the protection of this man, even if he did not know him personally.

If the avenger of blood, in spite of this appeal, slays the fleeing murderer, then honor demands that the sheikh who was called upon, have the avenger of blood put to death, or infamy would rest upon his name.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."