1 Then the Lord said to Joshua,
2 “Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,
3 that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood.
4 He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them.
5 And if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not give up the manslayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unknowingly, and did not hate him in the past.
6 And he shall remain in that city until he has stood before the congregation for judgment, until the death of him who is high priest at the time. Then the manslayer may return to his own town and his own home, to the town from which he fled.
7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
8 And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.
9 These were the cities designated for all the people of Israel and for the stranger sojourning among them, that anyone who killed a person without intent could flee there, so that he might not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, till he stood before the congregation.
The True Meaning of Joshua 20
This chapter of the Book of Joshua provides important details about the establishment of the cities of refuge, a critical part of the Israelites’ settlement in the Promised Land. The author, likely Joshua himself, recounts the divine instructions given to the Israelite leader regarding these sanctuaries for those who have committed unintentional manslaughter. The need for such cities became evident as the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan. The Lord had previously commanded Moses to set aside these places of refuge, as described in the Book of Numbers. Now, Joshua must ensure that this directive is carried out, providing a means for justice tempered with mercy.
The designation of these cities foreshadows the eventual establishment of the kingdom of Israel, where the rule of law will be paramount. It also reflects the compassionate nature of the God who guides the Israelites, offering protection to those who have taken a life unintentionally. This chapter serves as a bridge between the conquest of the land and the subsequent organization of the tribes, highlighting the importance of righteous governance in the new homeland.
Joshua 20:1-3
A pivotal moment in the establishment of cities of refuge in the Promised Land is seen in Joshua 20:1-3. The Lord instructs Joshua to designate cities of refuge, a place where individuals who unintentionally kill someone could flee for safety from the avenger of blood. This concept of cities of refuge illustrates God’s mercy and justice working hand in hand to protect those who have caused accidental harm. The cities served as a sanctuary for the unintentional offender until a fair trial could be held.
The idea of cities of refuge is significant in the Old Testament as it reflects God’s concern for justice tempered with mercy. It shows that even in the face of death, there is room for grace and redemption. This concept resonates throughout the Bible, especially in the New Testament with the message of salvation through Christ. Jesus offers salvation and forgiveness to all who come to Him, just as the cities of refuge provided protection and a second chance for those who sought it.
Additionally, the role of the avenger of blood is worth noting in this passage. The avenger of blood, usually a close relative of the victim in ancient Israelite culture, sought justice for the deceased by avenging their blood. However, the establishment of cities of refuge shows that God values fair judgment and does not condone hasty retribution. This aligns with the biblical principle of leaving room for God’s judgment and not taking matters into our own hands (Romans 12:19). The narrative of the cities of refuge foreshadows the ultimate refuge we find in God. Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. God offers us spiritual refuge and strength in times of trouble, just as the cities of refuge provided physical protection. This theme of seeking refuge in God is woven throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of turning to Him for safety and solace.
Joshua 20:4-6
The Lord is instructing Joshua regarding the cities of refuge that were to be established for the Israelites in Joshua 20:4-6. The concept of cities of refuge was crucial in ancient Israel as a way to provide sanctuary and protection for individuals who unintentionally caused harm to others. These cities were a place where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee to receive a fair trial rather than being subjected to the vengeance of the victim’s family. The Lord commands in verse 4 that the one who committed unintentional manslaughter must flee to one of the designated cities of refuge. This emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in times of trouble and turning to God for mercy and justice. It also highlights the value of a fair trial and the principle of not punishing someone for a crime they did not commit intentionally.
Furthermore, in verse 5, we see that the person fleeing to the city of refuge must stand at the entrance of the city and state their case before the elders of the city. This act symbolizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and being accountable to the community for the unintentional harm caused. It teaches us the importance of confession and seeking forgiveness for our mistakes in a transparent and humble manner.
Verse 6 underscores the purpose of the cities of refuge, which is to provide safety and protection to the individual until they have received a fair trial. This demonstrates God’s compassion and mercy towards those who may have erred unintentionally. It also portrays the concept of justice tempered with mercy, a recurring theme in the Bible that reflects God’s nature of being both just and loving.
The establishment of cities of refuge in ancient Israel not only served as a practical solution for resolving disputes but also carried spiritual significance. It highlighted the importance of seeking refuge in God in times of trouble, taking responsibility for our actions, and experiencing the grace and mercy of God through fair judgment.
This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking refuge in God, confessing our sins, and trusting in His justice and mercy. It also points towards the ultimate city of refuge we have in God, where we can find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. God offers us eternal refuge and redemption in Him, just as the cities of refuge provided safety and protection in ancient Israel.
Joshua 20:7-9
Joshua gave specific instructions for the tribe of Naphtali, one of the tribes of Israel, to establish three cities of refuge in Joshua 20:7-9. The concept of cities of refuge was established by God in the Old Testament to provide a safe haven for individuals who accidentally caused the death of another person. These cities provided a place where individuals could flee and have a fair trial rather than being pursued and killed by avengers seeking revenge.
Joshua’s command to the tribe of Naphtali to set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah as cities of refuge was crucial for ensuring justice and mercy in Israel. These cities were strategically located so that they were easily accessible to anyone in need of refuge, demonstrating God’s concern for justice and the protection of innocent lives.
This passage not only highlights the importance of establishing justice and showing mercy but also points to the character of God as a God of compassion and fairness. The provision of cities of refuge reflects God’s desire for His people to uphold righteousness and protect the vulnerable in society.
The establishment of cities of refuge also serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in God Himself. “Psalm 46:1 states, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. God offers refuge and strength to all who turn to Him in times of trouble, just as the cities of refuge provided safety and protection for those in need.
Furthermore, the cities of refuge serve as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. While the cities provided a temporary safe haven, they also facilitated the process of reconciliation between the offender and the victim’s family. This mirrors the biblical teachings on forgiveness, such as in Ephesians 4:32, which instructs believers to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Joshua 20:7-9 addresses the practical establishment of cities of refuge and conveys deeper spiritual truths about justice, mercy, God’s provision, and the importance of forgiveness in the context of biblical principles.
After Joshua 20
The Lord had spoken to Joshua, commanding him to set aside cities of refuge for the Israelites. These were places where those who had unintentionally taken a life could flee and find protection from the avenger of blood. The people listened and obeyed, establishing six such cities across the land. The Israelites settled into their new homes and were reminded of the importance of justice tempered with mercy. The cities of refuge stood as a symbol of God’s compassion, a beacon of hope for those who had made a tragic mistake. Yet, the chapter leaves us with a lingering question – what challenges might arise as these communities sought to uphold the Lord’s commands?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.