Explore Joshua 20 and the cities of refuge, revealing God's justice, mercy, and protection for those who seek safety in Him.
The Lord spoke to Joshua after the land had been divided among the tribes of Israel. He commanded that cities of refuge be established throughout the land. These cities provided safety for those who accidentally caused the death of another person. The instructions for these cities were given earlier in the law of Moses (Numbers 35:9-34). Now the time had come to put this system into practice.
The Lord commanded Joshua to appoint six cities of refuge. Three were to be on the west side of the Jordan River and three on the east side. These cities were Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba which is Hebron in the mountain of Judah. On the east side were Bezer in the wilderness, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan. The cities of refuge served as a place where the slayer could flee and stand before the congregation for judgment.
The law of the cities of refuge reveals God's justice and mercy working together. The manslayer was protected from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could take place. The congregation would judge between the slayer and the avenger. If the death was accidental, the slayer would remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. The system protected the innocent while maintaining the sanctity of human life. God's provision for the unintentional killer shows His compassion and His commitment to justice.
The Command to Appoint Cities of Refuge
The Divine Instruction
The Lord spoke unto Joshua saying: Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses (Joshua 20:1-2). The command came directly from God to Joshua. The authority for establishing these cities rested on divine revelation. The cities were not optional but required by God's law.
The appointment of these cities followed the completion of the land distribution. The people could not access these cities until the boundaries had been determined. The order of events shows God's wisdom in establishing the legal system. The cities were placed in accessible locations throughout the nation.
The Purpose of the Cities
The cities of refuge served a specific purpose: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither (Joshua 20:3). The protection extended to those who caused death without intention or malice. The cities provided a safe haven from the avenger of blood.
The avenger of blood was the nearest kinsman of the deceased. The law allowed this person to pursue and kill the manslayer. The cities of refuge prevented hasty revenge. The slayer could find safety until the case was properly judged. The system balanced the rights of the victim's family with the rights of the accused.
The Number and Location of the Cities
The Lord commanded that six cities be appointed: three on this side of Jordan and three in the land of Canaan (Joshua 20:7-8). The division of the cities ensured that every part of the land had access to refuge. The cities were distributed evenly on both sides of the Jordan.
The western cities included Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba which is Hebron in the mountain of Judah. The eastern cities were Bezer in the wilderness upon 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. The selection of these cities showed careful planning and divine wisdom.
The Process of Seeking Refuge
The Flight to the City
The process began when the slayer fled to one of the cities of refuge. He would stand at the entering of the gate of the city (Joshua 20:4). The gate was the place of judgment and public assembly. The slayer would declare his cause to the elders of the city.
The elders would receive him into the city. They would give him a place to dwell among them. The manslayer would become a resident of the city. The city of refuge became his temporary home. The protection of the city extended to all who sought it according to the law.
The Role of the Elders
The elders of the city played a crucial role in the process. They would hear the cause of the slayer. They would judge whether the slayer was worthy of protection. The elders had authority to receive or reject the manslayer.
The elders would provide a place for the slayer to dwell. They would ensure his safety within the city walls. The city of refuge became a place of protection and community. The elders acted as gatekeepers of justice and mercy.
The Judgment of the Congregation
If the avenger of blood pursued the slayer, the congregation would be involved. The congregation would judge between the slayer and the avenger (Joshua 20:6). The trial would determine whether the death was accidental or intentional.
The congregation was to judge according to these judgments (Numbers 35:24). The standard of judgment was the law of God. The congregation acted as the court of final appeal. The system protected both the accused and the victim's family.
The Conditions for Protection
Accidental Versus Intentional Killing
The protection of the cities applied only to accidental killing. The text specifies that the slayer killed unawares and unwittingly (Joshua 20:3). There was no malice or premeditation in the act. The death was truly accidental.
The law distinguished between the manslayer and the murderer. The murderer was to be put to death (Numbers 35:16-21). The cities of refuge provided no protection for the intentional killer. The distinction protected the innocent while punishing the guilty.
The Requirement of Unintentionality
The manslayer had to demonstrate that the killing was unintentional. The law provided examples of accidental death. If a person struck another without lying in wait, the death was considered accidental. The congregation would judge the intent of the heart.
The requirement protected the integrity of the legal system. The law recognized the difference between intention and accident. The provision of cities of refuge demonstrated God's understanding of human limitations. The system was designed to extend mercy to those who truly deserved it.
The Temporary Nature of Protection
The protection of the city was temporary. The slayer would remain in the city until the death of the high priest (Joshua 20:6). The high priest played a symbolic role in the system. His death marked the end of the exile for the manslayer.
After the death of the high priest, the slayer could return to his own land. The return marked the completion of the period of exile. The provision shows that God's mercy extends even to the unintentional sinner. The death of the high priest foreshadows the work of Christ.
The Cities of Refuge Listed
Kedesh in Galilee
Kedesh was the first city appointed in the western region. It was located in mount Naphtali (Joshua 20:7). Kedesh was a city of the Levites and held significance in Israel's history. The location was accessible to those in the northern part of the land.
The city of Kedesh was set apart for the children of Naphtali. The selection of the city showed the fairness of the distribution. The cities of refuge were strategically placed for maximum accessibility.
Shechem in Mount Ephraim
Shechem was the second city in the western region. It was located in mount Ephraim (Joshua 20:7). Shechem held significant historical value. Abraham had built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7). Jacob had purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-19). Joseph's bones were buried there (Joshua 24:32).
The city of Shechem was situated in the central part of the land. The location provided easy access for those in the hill country. The selection of Shechem linked the cities of refuge to Israel's patriarchal history.
Kirjath-arba Which is Hebron
Hebron was the third city in the western region. It was located in the mountain of Judah (Joshua 20:7). Hebron had been the home of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 13:18). The cave of Machpelah was located there. The city held profound significance for the people of Israel.
The city of Hebron was positioned in the southern part of the land. The location provided access for those in the southern tribes. The selection of Hebron connected the cities of refuge to the promises made to the patriarchs.
Bezer in the Wilderness
Bezer was the first city in the eastern region. It was located in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 20:8). Bezer was a city of the Levites in the territory of Reuben. The location provided protection for those on the eastern side of the Jordan.
The city of Bezer was set apart for the children of Reuben. The selection showed the inclusion of all tribes in the system. The cities of refuge were available to every person in every tribe.
Ramoth in Gilead
Ramoth was the second city in the eastern region. It was located in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad (Joshua 20:8). Ramoth was a significant city in the Transjordan region. The location provided access for those in the central eastern territory.
The city of Ramoth was assigned to the tribe of Gad. The selection of Ramoth continued the pattern of distributing cities across the land. The cities of refuge were placed in accessible and strategic locations.
Golan in Bashan
Golan was the third city in the eastern region. It was located in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 20:8). Golan was a city of the Levites in the territory of Manasseh. The location provided protection for those in the northern eastern region.
The city of Golan completed the list of six cities. The selection of Golan ensured that the entire eastern territory had access to refuge. The cities of refuge were available to all who needed them.
The Symbolism of the Cities of Refuge
A Type of Christ
The cities of refuge point to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us (Hebrews 6:18). Christ is the refuge for sinners.
The manslayer fled to the city for protection. The sinner flees to Christ for salvation. The city of refuge provided safety from the avenger. Christ provides safety from the judgment of God. The typology is clear and powerful.
The Accessibility of the Cities
The cities of refuge were accessible to all Israelites. The roads to the cities were to be maintained (Deuteronomy 19:3). The cities were placed in convenient locations. The accessibility of the cities points to the accessibility of Christ.
The apostle Paul writes: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). The gospel is available to all who will come. The invitation is open to every person. The provision of Christ is sufficient for every sinner.
The High Priest as a Symbol
The death of the high priest released the manslayer from exile. The high priest represented the people before God. His death marked the completion of the period of exile. The high priest points to Christ as our great High Priest.
The author of Hebrews writes: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). Christ's death and resurrection provide eternal salvation. The death of the high priest foreshadowed the work of Christ.
Lessons from Joshua 20
God's Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge demonstrate God's justice and mercy. The law punished the intentional murderer. The innocent were protected from the avenger. The system balanced justice with mercy.
The apostle Paul writes: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). God's justice demands payment for sin. God's mercy provides a refuge in Christ. The cities of refuge point to this great truth.
The Sanctity of Human Life
The cities of refuge demonstrate the sanctity of human life. The law required that the avenger of blood pursue the killer. The system treated human life with the highest regard. The distinction between accident and intention protected the innocent.
The sixth commandment states: Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13). The sanctity of human life is established by God. The cities of refuge protected the innocent while punishing the guilty. The system reflected the value God places on human life.
The Responsibility of the Community
The cities of refuge involved the entire community. The elders received the slayer into the city. The congregation judged between the slayer and the avenger. The community shared responsibility for justice.
The law provided that the cities were to be appointed by the congregation. The system required the participation of the leaders. The cities were to be maintained and accessible. The community's responsibility reflected the corporate nature of Israel.
The Hope of the Manslayer
The manslayer had hope in the city of refuge. The city provided safety and protection. The slayer could dwell in the city until the death of the high priest. The hope of release was always present.
The hope of the manslayer points to the hope of the believer. The apostle Peter writes: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). The believer has a living hope in Christ. The hope of the manslayer was a shadow of the greater hope in Christ.
Connections to Scripture
The Law of Moses
The cities of refuge were established according to the law of Moses. Numbers 35:9-15 provides the original instruction. Deuteronomy 19:1-13 repeats and expands the command. The law of the cities of refuge was part of God's covenant with Israel.
The fulfillment of the law in Joshua 20 demonstrates God's faithfulness. The law was not merely theoretical but practical. The cities of refuge were established to protect the innocent. The law of Moses pointed forward to the grace of God in Christ.
The Prophetic Significance
The cities of refuge have prophetic significance. The prophet Isaiah writes: And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land (Isaiah 32:2). The cities of refuge foreshadow the protection found in Christ.
The prophet Zechariah writes: In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). The provision of refuge points to the provision of cleansing through Christ. The prophetic significance of the cities of refuge is rich and deep.
The New Testament Application
The cities of refuge find their fulfillment in Christ. The author of Hebrews writes: We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle (Hebrews 13:10). The refuge provided by Christ is superior to the cities of refuge.
The apostle Paul writes: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The believer finds refuge in Christ. The judgment of God is satisfied through the death of Christ. The New Testament application of the cities of refuge is clear.
Conclusion
The establishment of the cities of refuge marked an important moment in Israel's history. The Lord commanded Joshua to appoint these cities throughout the land. Six cities were selected, three on each side of the Jordan. The cities provided safety for those who accidentally caused the death of another person. The system balanced justice with mercy and protected the innocent.
The cities of refuge point to Jesus Christ as our refuge. The manslayer fled to the city for protection from the avenger of blood. The sinner flees to Christ for salvation from the judgment of God. The accessibility of the cities demonstrates the accessibility of Christ. The invitation to flee to the cities reflects the invitation to come to Christ. The death of the high priest released the manslayer from exile. The death of Christ releases the believer from condemnation.
The lesson from Joshua 20 is that God's justice and mercy work together. The law of the cities of refuge protected the innocent while punishing the guilty. The system reflected God's character and His concern for human life. The cities of refuge remind believers that God provides a refuge for those who seek Him. The account of Joshua 20 calls believers to flee to Christ, the true refuge for sinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the purpose of the cities of refuge in Joshua 20?
The cities of refuge were established to protect those who accidentally killed another person. The slayer could flee to the city and escape the avenger of blood. The city provided safety until the congregation could judge the case. The system protected the innocent from hasty revenge and ensured that the death was properly investigated.
2. How many cities of refuge were there and where were they located?
There were six cities of refuge in total. Three were on the west side of the Jordan: Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and Hebron in the mountain of Judah. Three were on the east side of the Jordan: Bezer in the wilderness, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan. The cities were distributed evenly to ensure access for all the tribes.
3. What was the difference between a manslayer and a murderer in the law?
The manslayer killed another person unintentionally and without malice. The murderer killed with premeditation and intent. The cities of refuge provided protection only for the manslayer. The murderer was to be put to death according to the law. The distinction protected the innocent while punishing the guilty.
4. How long did the manslayer stay in the city of refuge?
The manslayer stayed in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. The high priest was the spiritual leader of the nation. His death marked the end of the exile for the manslayer. After the death of the high priest, the slayer could return to his own land without fear of the avenger.
5. How do the cities of refuge point to Jesus Christ?
The cities of refuge point to Jesus Christ as the true refuge for sinners. The manslayer fled to the city for protection from the avenger. The sinner flees to Christ for salvation from the judgment of God. The accessibility of the cities reflects the accessibility of Christ. The death of the high priest foreshadows the death of Christ, which releases the believer from condemnation.
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