they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, they were given Shechem in the hill country of EphraimShechem holds significant historical and theological importance in the Bible. It is located in the hill country of Ephraim, a central region in the land of Israel. Shechem was the first place where Abraham built an altar to the Lord after entering Canaan (Genesis 12:6-7). It later became a city of refuge, a place where those who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum (Joshua 20:7). This reflects God's provision for justice and mercy within the Israelite legal system. Theologically, Shechem is a place of covenant renewal, as seen when Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel there to renew their covenant with God (Joshua 24:1-25). The location in Ephraim, a prominent tribe, underscores its centrality in Israel's spiritual and political life. (a city of refuge for the manslayer) Gezer Persons / Places / Events 1. ShechemA significant city in biblical history, Shechem was designated as a city of refuge. It is located in the hill country of Ephraim and holds historical importance as a place of covenant renewal and worship. 2. City of Refuge These were cities designated for the protection of individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter. They provided a safe haven until a fair trial could be conducted. 3. Manslayer Refers to someone who has killed another unintentionally. The city of refuge was a provision for such individuals to escape the avenger of blood. 4. Ephraim One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in the land of Israel. 5. Gezer Another city given to the Levites, located in the territory of Ephraim. It was strategically important and often mentioned in the context of Israel's battles and territorial boundaries. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy. It reflects His desire to protect the innocent and ensure fair treatment for all. The Role of Community in God's Plan The allocation of cities like Shechem and Gezer to the Levites underscores the importance of community and shared responsibility in God's design for His people. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge for sinners. Believers can find security and hope in Him. The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions regarding the cities of refuge illustrates the blessings of obedience and the order it brings to society. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a city of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy?2. In what ways can the church today serve as a "city of refuge" for those seeking spiritual safety and support? 3. How does the allocation of cities like Shechem to the Levites demonstrate the importance of community and shared responsibility in God's plan? 4. What parallels can be drawn between the cities of refuge in the Old Testament and the refuge we find in Christ according to the New Testament? 5. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of cities like Shechem and Gezer enhance our interpretation of their significance in the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 35This chapter outlines the laws concerning cities of refuge, providing context for their purpose and function within Israelite society. Deuteronomy 19 Further elaborates on the cities of refuge, emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy in the legal system of Israel. Hebrews 6:18 Draws a spiritual parallel to the concept of refuge, highlighting the hope and security found in God.
People Aaron, Abdon, Anak, Anathoth, Arba, Asher, Benjamin, Bezer, Caleb, Dan, Debir, Eleazar, Eshtemoa, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gersonites, Gibeon, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Naphtali, Nun, Rehob, Reuben, Simeon, Simeonites, ZebulunPlaces Abdon, Aijalon, Ain, Almon, Anathoth, Bashan, Beeshterah, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Canaan, Daberath, Debir, Elteke, En-gannim, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibbethon, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammoth-dor, Hebron, Helkath, Heshbon, Holon, Jahaz, Jarmuth, Jattir, Jazer, Jokneam, Juttah, Kartah, Kartan, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kibzaim, Kiriath-arba, Kishion, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mephaath, Mishal, Nahalal, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Shiloh, TaanachTopics Accused, Ephraim, E'phraim, Gezer, Grass-lands, Hill, Hill-country, Lands, Manslayer, Man-slayer, Mount, Murder, Open, Pasture, Refuge, Safe, Shechem, Slayer, Suburbs, Taker, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 21:21Library October 8. "There Failed not Aught of any Good Thing which the Lord had Spoken" (Josh. xxi. 45). "There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken" (Josh. xxi. 45). Some day, even you, trembling, faltering one, shall stand upon those heights and look back upon all you have passed through, all you have narrowly escaped, all the perils through which He guided you, the stumblings through which He guarded you, and the sins from which He saved you; and you shall shout, with a meaning you cannot understand now, "Salvation unto Him who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The End of the War The Mountainous Country of Judea. Divers Matters. Nob. Bahurim. Joshua Links Joshua 21:21 NIVJoshua 21:21 NLT Joshua 21:21 ESV Joshua 21:21 NASB Joshua 21:21 KJV Joshua 21:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |