Joshua 20:3
so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 20:3?

2. How does Joshua 20:3 emphasize God's provision for justice and mercy?

3. What role do cities of refuge play in God's plan for Israel's society?

4. How does Joshua 20:3 connect with the concept of sanctuary in Exodus 21:13?

5. In what ways can we implement principles of refuge and justice today?

6. How does the provision in Joshua 20:3 reflect God's character of compassion and fairness?

7. What is the significance of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:3 for justice and mercy?

8. How does Joshua 20:3 reflect God's view on accidental versus intentional sin?

9. Why were cities of refuge necessary in the context of ancient Israelite society?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20?

11. How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6?

12. Why would a just God need these specific cities of refuge in Joshua 20 if He could prevent unjust killings in the first place?

13. Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?

14. Deuteronomy 19:6: Why would God allow a 'blood avenger' to pursue someone innocent of intentional murder, and where is this justice in historical context?
Discussion Questions
1. How do the cities of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy, and how can we apply these attributes in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the concept of the "avenger of blood" challenge or affirm our understanding of justice and forgiveness?

3. How can the church today serve as a "city of refuge" for those seeking forgiveness and restoration?

4. What parallels can we draw between the cities of refuge and the refuge we find in Christ, and how does this impact our faith journey?

5. How can we ensure that our actions are intentional and considerate of others, reflecting the principles found in Joshua 20:3?1. How does the establishment of the cities of refuge reflect God's justice and mercy?

2. What can modern societies learn from the concept of a city of refuge?

3. How does the concept of the avenger of blood compare to our current understanding of justice?

4. How does the city elders' role in accepting the manslayer reflect community responsibility?

5. Why was it necessary for the manslayer to stay in the city until the death of the high priest?

6. How do the cities of refuge promote fairness and prevent vengeance?

7. What significance does the equal treatment of Israelites and foreigners in these cities carry for us today?

8. How can the idea of cities of refuge inform our views on refugee and asylum policies today?

9. How does the mandate of standing trial before an assembly uphold the principle of public accountability?

10. How does the concept of cities of refuge contrast with current penal systems and concepts of justice?

11. What can we learn from the cities of refuge about God's protection and providence?

12. How might the concept of cities of refuge guide us in dealing with people who have made

1. mistakes in our own lives?

13. Why do you think the death of the high priest was chosen as the time when the manslayer could return home?

14. In what ways does the instruction for establishing cities of refuge show God's foresight and wisdom?

15. How does the concept of refuge resonate with the broader Biblical theme of God being our refuge?

16. How does this system ensure that the punishment is proportional to the crime committed?

17. How does the process of a fugitive presenting his case to the city elders highlight the importance of listening and understanding in our relationships today?

18. Why do you think these specific cities were chosen as cities of refuge?

19. How does the process of designating cities of refuge demonstrate faith in action?

20. In what ways can we create metaphorical 'cities of refuge' in our personal lives and communities today?

Links
Joshua 20:3 NIV
Joshua 20:3 NLT
Joshua 20:3 ESV
Joshua 20:3 NASB
Joshua 20:3 KJV

Joshua 20:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 20:2
Top of Page
Top of Page