Mercy and Justice

It would have been easy to overlook God’s command. Earlier, He’d told the Israelites to establish “six cities of refuge” when they entered the Promised Land. There, those who unintentionally committed a murder could flee for protection (Numbers 35:6-15).

But after the conquest, they faced a difficult reality. Land was precious, and they had fought for every inch. It would have been natural to concentrate on controlling, occupying, and developing the land. Yet God would not let them forget His command.

As the conquest neared its completion, the Lord directed that it was time to “designate the cities of refuge.” Even in these cities, justice was done as the elders decided if refugees could stay or if they had to leave to face the consequences of their actions.

These cities demonstrated God’s concern for protecting the innocent and making sure everyone received fair and just treatment. The Bible tells us that He “despises those who acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent” (Proverbs 17:15 NLT). We see these principles clearly in the teachings of Jesus, who said we are blessed if we are merciful and “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:3-9).

We witness this mercy in action when scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They wanted to stone her (and trap Jesus). But He told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” As her accusers gradually left, Jesus asked the woman, “Did no one condemn you?…I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more” (John 8:1-11).

Ask God to give you a commitment to justice and fairness. Seek to keep your word and obey Him. Seek to be a person of mercy and compassion. Demonstrate His love to others.