Article 1, Section 8, Paragraphs 17
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;—And
The Federal Property Needs
States Grant Federal Lands.
The Congress had to get permission from involved States to purchase land for Federal Government use. The State Legislatures were to approve the use of the land and the sale, thus leaving the States in ultimate control of the land use. Congress gave examples of things that would be proper for the Federal Government to house. First, a place to meet would need this approval. Next there would need to be places for Forts of protection and defense. Weapons and artillery would be stored in these designated areas.
God’s concern was not so much with fortresses in Israel. The concern was for cities of Refuge and cities for the Priests. These were to be set up before the land was settled, so that they were properly designated and readily available. The Cities of Refuge would serve as "half-way" homes to rehabilitate those who have committed manslaughter. They would enable people to learn the ways of God in a time when they could not go back home.
In God’s plan for a Country, there is a need of walls for protection, but not a "Federal Government." God established the Laws, and the elders of each city and Tribe were bound together in fellowship and support through God’s Tabernacle. If there were a problem, these elders would assemble and make a decision as to what to do.
Defense should be handled city by city. When cities rely on outside agencies to provide security, they will find help in short supply. Even the New Jerusalem is built with gates and walls. They are designed to restrict access.
Revelation 21:27, "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
Proverbs 25:28, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
Our Country is in grave danger because we rely on the Federal Government to provide security. Our Federal Government does not have the interests of cities or even states at heart. The result is a huge influx of criminals that roam our streets. Interstate crime is a real problem as well. There is no barrier to criminals, and no means of controlling access to cities and areas.
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