Literally, “the way,” that is, “the road.” Access to the cities of refuge was to be made easy. The road was to be clearly marked and kept in good repair (PP 515), for men’s lives were at stake. Thus it should be with the “way” to our refuge in Jesus Christ—so plain that none need err therein (see Isa. 35:8).

That is, “the area” (RSV). Each city of refuge would then serve as the convenient center for the district in which it was situated, and no place would be unduly remote from a city of refuge. Equal arrangements were to be made for all parts of the country.

 The devout Christian will certainly think of the sinner’s privilege of fleeing to Christ. As the gates of the cities of refuge were never to be closed to one who sought entrance, so Christ never refuses one who comes to Him contrite and repentant (Ps. 51:17; Isa. 57:15).