Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

In a trial for murder, the accused was not to be condemned on
the testimony of one witness, even though circumstantial evidence
of guilt might be strong. "Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall
be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not
sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty."
(Numbers 35:30). It was Christ who gave Moses these directions for
Israel, and when He was personally on earth the Great Teacher
repeated the lesson that one person's testimony is not to release or
condemn. One person's opinions are not to settle disputed questions.
"By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established." (Matthew 18:16).
No atonement or ransom could rescue a person proved guilty of
murder. "You shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is
guilty of death, but he shall be surely put to death." "No atonement
can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by
the blood of him who shed it." (Numbers 35:31, 33). The safety and
purity of the nation demanded that the sin of murder be severely
punished.
The cities of refuge were a symbol of the refuge provided in
Christ. By shedding His own blood the Savior has provided a safe
place for the transgressors of God's law. They may flee there for
safety from the second death. No power can take the souls who go to
Him for pardon out of His hands.
A person who fled to the city of refuge could not afford delay.
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