There were six cities in ancient Israel which were designated as cities of refuge. When someone took a human life without premeditation or malice he could flee to one of these cities and there be safe from retribution. Tradition tells that once each year the roads leading to such a city were cleared of rocks and debris to make it easier for a man who was fleeing for his life to reach the haven of safety. Christ is God's great haven of safety, a refuge from life's turmoils, sin, and death.