In The Gate? Pastor Timothy Hinkle September 15, 2013

Numbers 35: And the L ORD spake unto Moses, saying, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; 11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. 13 And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge. Numbers 35:9-11

14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. 15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: Numbers 35:9-11

16 And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death. Numbers 35:9-11

Joshua 20:7-8 7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. 8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Gideon's Tomb Outside Shechem

Overlooking Shechem

Driving Through Shechem

Hebron Today

Soldiers in Hebron

Outside Tomb of the Patriarchs/Matriarchs

Inside Tomb of Patriarchs/Matriarchs

Inside Tomb of the Patriarchs/Matriarchs

Rachael and Leahs Tombs

2 Samuel 3: And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the L ORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

2 Samuel 3: And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? 34 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.

Abner a Fool? Why? We see here that the King says that Abners hands and feet were not bound, and that, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly From these comments we can conclude that Abner willingly went with his slayer into the gate of the city.

Cities Represent Christ They Were Available To All - God provided 6 cities of refuge. There were three east of the Jordan and three west of the Jordan. They were placed so that there was not tribe that was too far from a city of refuge. They were available to everyone no matter where they were or who they were! Whether the manslayer was a son or a stranger, there was a city of refuge open for him.

They Were Accessible To All - Just as these cities were spaced all over the country and were available to every Israelite, they were also accessible to every person. Cities Represent Christ

They Were Prominent - Most of these cities were built on top of mountains. Most of the cities of ancient Israel were built of white limestone. When the sun hit these cities they gleamed. Even in the night, under the light of the moon, they would be visible. They were easily seen, even from many miles away. Cities Represent Christ

They Were Prepared - There were certain preparations that were made in and around these cities that guaranteed the manslayer that he would find safety when he arrived at the city of refuge. Cities Represent Christ

The Roads Were Never Clogged - The priests would made sure that the roads leading to these cities were clear from obstructions and always open to the traveler. Cities Represent Christ

The Gates Were Never Closed - No matter what the time of day or night, the gates on the city of refuge were never closed. Cities Represent Christ

The Direction Was Never Confused - There were sign posts with the Hebrew word "Miklat" written on them that had been set up to point the way to the city of refuge. That word means "Refuge" There was no need for anyone to misunderstand the way to get there. Cities Represent Christ

Like a city set on top of a hill, Jesus can be seen by the weary traveler. The road leading to Jesus is always clear. On His side, there are no obstructions. When He died on the cross, He died for all sin, so sin is not a problem that can keep you from coming. Cities Represent Christ

Jesus is always available! Jesus Christ is never closed. He will receive anyone who will come to Him at any time! He is waiting for you to show up! Cities Represent Christ

IN Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Are you IN CHIRST or are you IN THE GATE ?

IN THE GATE Being IN THE GATE is the same as being LUKEWARM Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Be Found In Christ John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Draw Nigh To God 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.