Joshua 20
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1Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 2“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses, 3that the man slayer who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there. They shall be to you for a refuge from the avenger of blood. 4He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them. 5If the avenger of blood pursues him, then they shall not deliver up the man slayer into his hand; because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him before. 6He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days. Then the man slayer shall return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city he fled from.’” 7They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 8Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. 9These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the alien who lives among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stands trial before the congregation.
World English Bible (public domain)
“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 killer may return to his own town and his own home, to the town from which he fled.'”
Joshua 20:6
Summary
In Joshua chapter 20, God instructs the Israelites on the establishment of cities of refuge, designed for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and mercy, providing a means for those who unintentionally harmed others to escape the blood avenger's wrath. By ensuring a fair trial and a place of safety, the cities serve as a demonstration of God's grace and the value He places on human life, even in circumstances of unintended consequences. The chapter not only outlines the cities' locations but also highlights the significance of the Levites, who inhabit these cities, reminding the people of the role of the priesthood in guiding society towards righteousness. The theme of refuge emerges powerfully, illustrating God's desire to offer sanctuary and protection to those in need. This concept points to the broader biblical theology of Jesus as our ultimate refuge and Savior. The cities of refuge also foreshadow the theme of atonement and reconciliation, emphasizing that unintentional wrongdoing does not sever one's relationship with God but rather leads to restoration when approached properly. Ultimately, Joshua 20 serves as a reminder of God's justice paired with His mercy, providing a model for human interactions grounded in care, compassion, and the pursuit of peace.
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Chapter outline
How Joshua 20 unfolds
Joshua 20:1–2 God's Instruction on Cities of Refuge
Yahweh instructs Joshua to designate cities of refuge for unintentional manslayers, emphasizing God's provision for justice and mercy.
Joshua 20:3–5 Purpose and Protection for the Accidental Slayer
The cities serve as a sanctuary for those who kill unintentionally, protecting them from revenge and ensuring fair judgment.
Joshua 20:6–8 The Designation of Specific Cities
Joshua identifies six cities of refuge, including Kedesh and Hebron, highlighting their significance for both Israelites and foreigners.
Joshua 20:9 Final Affirmation of the Cities' Role
The chapter concludes by affirming that these cities provide sanctuary for anyone who accidentally commits homicide until trial.
Key verses
Joshua 20:6Joshua 20:6 encapsulates the chapter's focus on justice and mercy, highlighting the role of the high priest in the process of redemption.
Main themes in Joshua 20
justice
Justice is a central theme as the cities of refuge provide a system for fair trial and protection for those who unintentionally harm others, seen in verses 3 and 5. The chapter emphasizes the importance of not hastily punishing someone who did not intend to kill. This reflects God's desire for fair treatment and righteousness in human interactions.
mercy
Mercy surfaces through the provision of refuge for accidental killers in verses 4 and 6, demonstrating God's compassion towards those who err. The chapter highlights that mercy does not dismiss justice but rather works within it, allowing for redemption and restoration. This theme illustrates God's grace in addressing human failures.
refuge
The cities of refuge serve as a physical representation of safety and protection, as outlined in verses 2 and 9. This theme develops the idea that God provides a means of escape from judgment for those who seek it sincerely. The notion of refuge points to the broader biblical understanding of God as a protector and safe haven for the vulnerable.
atonement
Atonement is implied in the process of standing trial and ultimately being allowed to return home, noted in verse 6. The chapter suggests that unintentional wrongs can lead to restoration when approached through the proper channels. This theme underscores the importance of reconciliation and the hope of returning to a place of peace after wrongdoing.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 20
- Numbers 35This passage outlines the cities of refuge and the laws surrounding manslaughter, connecting to the principles in Joshua 20.
- Joshua 21The allocation of cities for the Levites in Joshua 21 complements the provision of refuge cities, emphasizing their roles.
- 1 Chronicles 6This passage lists Levitical cities, echoing the importance of refuge cities established in Joshua.
- Deuteronomy 19Deuteronomy also discusses cities of refuge, providing a backdrop for the instructions given in Joshua.
- Hebrews 6This New Testament passage develops the idea of refuge in Christ, connecting to the themes of safety and hope.
- Deuteronomy 4This chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's laws, which includes the establishment of cities of refuge.
Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 20
- What role do the cities of refuge play in Israelite society?
- How does the chapter illustrate God's justice and mercy?
- What are the implications for a manslayer seeking refuge?
- What significance do the specific cities hold for the tribes?
- How does the concept of unintentional killing relate to modern justice systems?
- Why is the high priest mentioned in the context of the cities of refuge?
- What does this chapter say about God's care for both Israelites and aliens?
Joshua 20: frequently asked questions
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