Joshua 21:21
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 Ephraim
Shechem 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)
The concept of cities of refuge is introduced in Numbers 35:9-15 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13. These cities provided protection for individuals who accidentally killed someone, preventing the avenger of blood from taking revenge until a fair trial could be conducted. This system highlights the balance between justice and mercy in God's law. Theologically, cities of refuge can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers refuge and salvation to sinners seeking forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin. The manslayer's need for refuge parallels humanity's need for salvation through Jesus.

Gezer
Gezer was another city allocated to the Levites, located in the Shephelah region of Judah. It was strategically important due to its position on the route between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains, including fortifications and a water system, indicating its historical importance. Gezer's inclusion among the Levitical cities emphasizes the widespread distribution of the Levites throughout Israel, ensuring their presence and influence in both spiritual and practical matters. Historically, Gezer was a Canaanite city that was later conquered by Pharaoh and given as a dowry to Solomon's wife (1 Kings 9:16), illustrating the complex interactions between Israel and surrounding nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shechem
A 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 Mercy
The 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 35
This 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.
Divine FaithfulnessR. Hall, M. A.Joshua 21:1-45
Ministers Liberally TreatedC. Ness.Joshua 21:1-45
Ministers Wisely LocatedW. Seaton.Joshua 21:1-45
The Divine Fidelity AcknowledgedA. Maclaren, D. D.Joshua 21:1-45
The Supreme WorkerA. Maclaren, D. D.Joshua 21:1-45
The Triumphant Record of God's FaithfulnessA. Maclaren, D. D.Joshua 21:1-45
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, Zebulun
Places
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, Taanach
Topics
Accused, Ephraim, E'phraim, Gezer, Grass-lands, Hill, Hill-country, Lands, Manslayer, Man-slayer, Mount, Murder, Open, Pasture, Refuge, Safe, Shechem, Slayer, Suburbs, Taker, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 21:21

     5040   murder

Joshua 21:1-42

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
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
'And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which He sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 44. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that He sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45. There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. 'Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Joshua 21:21 NIV
Joshua 21:21 NLT
Joshua 21:21 ESV
Joshua 21:21 NASB
Joshua 21:21 KJV

Joshua 21:21 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 21:20
Top of Page
Top of Page