ScriptureDepth's study of Joshua 20
“He 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.’”
Joshua 20:6
Yahweh instructs Joshua to communicate that the man slayer must reside in a designated city until trial and the high priest's death, securing refuge in 'that city'.
What Joshua 20 is about
Yahweh spoke to Joshua, giving him specific instructions about the cities of refuge. He told Joshua to assign these cities as places for the man slayer who kills someone accidentally. The cities would be refuge from the avenger of blood (vv. 1-2). A person could flee to one of these cities, present their case to the elders, and live there safely (vv. 3-4). If the avenger pursued them, the city would protect the man slayer, since they acted unintentionally (vv. 5). The man slayer must stay in the city until they stand trial and until the high priest dies (vv. 6). Joshua designated specific cities: Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron in the hill country of Judah, along with Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan east of the Jordan (vv. 7-8). This rule applied to all Israel and the alien living among them (v. 9).
Those who accidentally kill someone may find refuge in the designated cities until they face judgment.
Joshua 20 at a glance
- Joshua 20:1–2God's Instruction on Cities of Refuge
- Joshua 20:3–5Purpose and Protection for the Accidental Slayer
- Joshua 20:6–8The Designation of Specific Cities
- Joshua 20:9Final Affirmation of the Cities' Role
Key verse: Joshua 20:6
One thing to notice
Yahweh commands Joshua in verses 1-2 to designate cities of refuge, which are for those who unintentionally cause death. This command continues what was given through Moses. The address involves Joshua's role in the implementation.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Joshua 20 (WEB)
God's Instruction on Cities of Refuge Joshua 20:1–2
1Verse 1. Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying, 2Verse 2. “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses,
Purpose and Protection for the Accidental Slayer Joshua 20:3–5
3Verse 3. that 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. 4Verse 4. He 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. 5Verse 5. If 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.
The Designation of Specific Cities Joshua 20:6–8
6Verse 6. He 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.’” 7Verse 7. They 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. 8Verse 8. Beyond 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.
Final Affirmation of the Cities' Role Joshua 20:9
9Verse 9. These 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)
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Main themes in Joshua 20
justice
In verses 3 and 5, the chapter outlines the provision for a 'man slayer' who kills 'accidentally or unintentionally.' The justice system in Israel allows these individuals to seek sanctuary from the avenger of blood, ensuring a fair process rather than immediate retribution. This legal structure seeks to balance accountability with mercy, preventing wrongful punishment for accidents.
mercy
Verses 4 and 5 show that mercy is integral to the cities of refuge, as they provide a safe haven for unintentional killers. The man slayer is welcomed into the city and allowed to 'live among them,' highlighting the compassionate response to human fallibility. The provisions allow for the possibility of redemption and protection rather than punishment for tragic mistakes.
refuge
The cities mentioned in verses 7 and 8 serve as designated refuges for individuals who have committed accidental killings. These locations, such as 'Kedesh,' 'Shechem,' and 'Golan,' are established to provide safety and security for those seeking shelter from the avenger of blood. The chapter presents these cities as crucial safe havens where the man slayer can await judgment.
atonement
In verses 6 and 9, the concept of atonement is implicit in the necessity for the man slayer to await trial before the congregation. This waiting period until the death of the high priest indicates a process where the individual can seek reconciliation with the community. The chapter articulates that the cities of refuge are part of a legal system aimed at addressing the consequences of unintentional actions.
Chapter outline
How Joshua 20 unfolds
Joshua 20:1–2 God's Instruction on Cities of Refuge
Yahweh instructs Joshua to communicate with the Israelites about establishing cities of refuge, which were designated for those who accidentally kill someone (vv. 1-2).
Joshua 20:3–5 Purpose and Protection for the Accidental Slayer
The purpose of these cities is to provide protection for the unintentional killer from the avenger of blood, allowing them to explain their case before the city's elders (vv. 3-5).
Joshua 20:6–8 The Designation of Specific Cities
Joshua designates specific cities for refuge: Kedesh, Shechem, Kiriath Arba, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan; each city is associated with a specific tribe (vv. 6-8).
Joshua 20:9 Final Affirmation of the Cities' Role
The cities were appointed for 'all the children of Israel, and for the alien who lives among them,' providing refuge for anyone who 'kills any person unintentionally' until standing trial before the congregation (v. 9).
Key verses
Joshua 20:6Yahweh instructs Joshua to communicate that the man slayer must reside in a designated city until trial and the high priest's death, securing refuge in 'that city'.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 20
- observeIn v2, what specific instruction does Yahweh give to Joshua regarding the cities?
- observeWhat purpose for the cities of refuge is stated in v3?
- interpretIn v5, why does the text specify that the act was 'unintentional' in relation to the man slayer?
- interpretIn v6, what does the phrase 'until he stands before the congregation for judgment' imply about the process of justice?
- applyWhen have you felt the need for 'refuge' from situations or people in your life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 20
- Numbers 35Joshua 20:9 and Numbers 35:15Both cities serve as refuge: Joshua 20:9 notes cities for unintentionally killing, while Numbers 35:15 states these cities are for anyone who kills unwittingly.
- Joshua 21Joshua 20:7 and Joshua 21:11Both cities named: Joshua 20:7 mentions Kiriath Arba, while Joshua 21:11 confirms they gave Kiriath Arba, also called Hebron.
- 1 Chronicles 6Joshua 20:7 and 1 Chronicles 6:76Both cities include Kedesh: Joshua 20:7 lists Kedesh in Galilee, while 1 Chronicles 6:76 also mentions Kedesh with its suburbs.
- Deuteronomy 19Joshua 20:2 and Deuteronomy 19:2Both assign cities of refuge: Joshua 20:2 commands to assign cities, while Deuteronomy 19:2 instructs setting apart cities in the land.
- Deuteronomy 4Joshua 20:2 and Deuteronomy 4:41Both assign cities of refuge: Joshua 20:2 commands to assign cities, while Deuteronomy 4:41 describes three cities set apart.
- Hebrews 6Joshua 20:3 and Hebrews 6:18Both offer refuge: Joshua 20:3 mentions fleeing to cities for refuge, while Hebrews 6:18 speaks of fleeing to hope for refuge.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Joshua 20
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Joshua: the whole bookJoshua narrates the moment promise becomes geography.
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 77Day 77 of 365: Joshua 20–22.
- StrengthWhat the Bible says about strength, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
Joshua 20: frequently asked questions
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