Joshua 20:5
Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 20:5?

2. How does Joshua 20:5 emphasize God's provision for justice and mercy?

3. What role do cities of refuge play in God's justice system in Joshua 20?

4. How can we apply the concept of refuge in our church community today?

5. How does Joshua 20:5 connect with Jesus as our ultimate refuge and advocate?

6. What does "return to the city" teach about accountability and responsibility in faith?

7. How does Joshua 20:5 reflect God's justice and mercy in the Old Testament?

8. What historical evidence supports the existence of cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:5?

9. How does Joshua 20:5 align with the broader theme of sanctuary in the Bible?

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

11. Who is the Avenger of Blood in the Bible?

12. What is the Bible's stance on terrorism?

13. How does the system of protection for manslaughter in Joshua 20:1-6 align or conflict with other Mosaic laws on homicide and justice?

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 does the concept of cities of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the principle of seeking refuge in Christ be applied to our daily lives?

3. How does the role of the avenger of blood compare to modern concepts of justice and retribution?

4. What responsibilities do we have as a community to ensure justice and protection for those who may be falsely accused or have acted without malice?

5. How can understanding the historical context of cities of refuge enhance our appreciation of the spiritual refuge offered in Christ?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?

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