Numbers 35: The Importance of Prisons

"Command the Israelites to give cities out of their hereditary property for the Levites to live in and pastureland around the cities."

Numbers 35:2

Six cities are to be a refuge for murderers, and forty two are to be cities for the Levites to live in.

From what I read here, it looks like those first six are sort-of like prison camps, where people live while they await a trial.  The majority of this chapter describes how judgement should be passed in certain circumstances, such as malicious intent or accidental dismemberment.

One of the topics in the judgement section is the importance of multiple witnesses.  Proof, beyond all doubt, is vital before allowing an accused murderer to be killed.  As we know in our own society, a man should be treated as innocent until he is proven guilty.

Question of the Day:

Have you ever been wrongly accused of something, and then evidence turned up later which proved your innocence?  Have you ever accused someone else of something without proof, and they were later proven to be innocent?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, prevent me from judging others for any of their actions, for only You know their hearts truly.  Do not let me accuse others of wrongdoing, especially when I myself am every bit as guilty of sinning against You.  Give me a heart of acceptance and a spirit of compassion, and help me to forgive others as easily as You forgive me.  Amen.