◄ Joshua 20 ►
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Summary Six Cities of Refuge The establishment of the cities of refuge emphasizes God's commitment to justice and mercy. The provision of asylum until fair trial underscores the value God places on human life and due process. It teaches us that in our society, we should be careful to distinguish between intentional harm and unfortunate accidents, extending mercy whenever appropriate. Establishment of the Cities of Refuge (Verses 1-3) God directs Joshua to designate certain cities as places of refuge, as was earlier communicated through Moses. These cities are meant to protect individuals who unintentionally commit manslaughter, safeguarding them from avengers seeking retribution. Rules for Asylum (Verses 4-6) The chapter outlines the legal provisions for those seeking asylum. Upon reaching a city of refuge, the fugitive presents his case to the city elders. If the manslaughter was indeed unintentional, the city must shelter the individual. They are safe until they stand trial before the assembly and the death of the current high priest, after which they can return home. Designation of the Cities (Verses 7-9) Six cities are chosen to be cities of refuge: Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba in Judah to the west of the Jordan; Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan to the east. These cities serve both Israelites and foreigners, reiterating the equal application of God's law. In this enlightening chapter, the LORD instructs Joshua to establish cities of refuge, providing a safe haven for those who unintentionally commit manslaughter, further underscoring God's principles of justice and mercy. Teaching Points Divine Command Joshua 20:1-2 states, Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses.' This command underscores the continuity of God's law and His concern for justice and mercy. Purpose of the Cities The cities of refuge were established to protect those who killed someone unintentionally, as seen in Joshua 20:3, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. Accessibility and Fairness Joshua 20:9 emphasizes that these cities were accessible to all, These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and for any foreigner residing among them. This provision reflects God's impartial justice and care for both Israelites and foreigners. Role of the Elders In Joshua 20:4, the elders of the city were to hear the case of the fugitive, ensuring a fair trial and protection until the case was resolved, highlighting the importance of community and leadership in administering justice. Symbol of Christ The cities of refuge serve as a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate refuge, who provides safety and salvation for all who seek Him. Practical Applications Seek Justice and Mercy As believers, we are called to uphold justice while extending mercy, reflecting God's character in our interactions with others. Provide Refuge Consider how you can be a source of refuge and support for those in need, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart. Pursue Reconciliation Just as the cities of refuge provided a means for reconciliation, we should actively seek to reconcile with others, promoting peace and understanding. Embrace God's Protection In times of trouble, remember that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). People 1. The LORD (YHWH) The chapter begins with the LORD speaking to Joshua, instructing him to designate cities of refuge as previously commanded through Moses. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Joshua Joshua is the leader of the Israelites at this time, responsible for carrying out the LORD's commands. He is the central human figure in the book of Joshua, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. Moses Although not directly present in the narrative, Moses is referenced as the one through whom the LORD initially commanded the establishment of cities of refuge. Moses is a key figure in Israelite history, having led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God. 4. The Avenger of Blood This term refers to a person, typically a family member, who seeks to avenge the death of a relative. The Hebrew term is גֹּאֵל הַדָּם (go'el ha-dam), which means "redeemer of blood." 5. The Manslayer This refers to a person who has killed someone unintentionally and seeks refuge in one of the designated cities. The Hebrew term used is רֹצֵחַ (rotzeach), which can mean "killer" or "manslayer." Places 1. Kedesh Located in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali. The name "Kedesh" comes from the Hebrew root "קדש" (qadash), meaning "holy" or "sanctified." It served as a city of refuge in the northern part of Israel. 2. Shechem Situated in the hill country of Ephraim. The name "Shechem" is derived from the Hebrew "שכם" (shekhem), meaning "shoulder" or "ridge." It was centrally located, making it accessible for those in the central region of Israel. 3. Hebron (also known as Kiriath-arba) Found in the hill country of Judah. "Hebron" comes from the Hebrew "חברון" (Chevron), meaning "association" or "alliance." It was a city of refuge in the southern part of Israel. 4. Bezer Located in the wilderness on the plateau for the tribe of Reuben. The name "Bezer" is from the Hebrew "בצר" (betser), meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." It served as a refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. 5. Ramoth in Gilead Situated in the territory of Gad. "Ramoth" comes from the Hebrew "רמות" (ramot), meaning "heights" or "high places." It was another city of refuge east of the Jordan River. 6. Golan in Bashan Located in the territory of Manasseh. The name "Golan" is derived from the Hebrew "גולן" (Golan), which may mean "circle" or "enclosure." It was the northernmost city of refuge east of the Jordan River. Events 1. Command to Establish Cities of Refuge The LORD instructs Joshua to tell the Israelites to designate cities of refuge as previously commanded through Moses. These cities are meant to provide asylum for anyone who kills a person unintentionally (Joshua 20:1-2). 2. Purpose of the Cities The cities of refuge are established so that anyone who kills a person accidentally can flee there to escape the avenger of blood, ensuring they are not killed before standing trial (Joshua 20:3). 3. Procedure for Seeking Refuge The person who flees to a city of refuge must stand at the entrance of the city gate and explain their case to the elders of that city. The elders are then to admit the fugitive into the city and provide a place to live among them (Joshua 20:4). 4. Protection from the Avenger If the avenger of blood pursues the fugitive, the city must not surrender the person, because the killing was accidental and without prior malice (Joshua 20:5). 5. Duration of Stay The fugitive must remain in the city of refuge until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Afterward, they may return to their own home in the city from which they fled (Joshua 20:6). 6. Designation of Specific Cities Joshua designates the cities of refuge: Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (Hebron) in Judah (Joshua 20:7). 7. Additional Cities for the Tribes East of the Jordan For the tribes east of the Jordan, Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead for Gad, and Golan in Bashan for Manasseh are designated as cities of refuge (Joshua 20:8). 8. Accessibility for All Israelites and Foreigners These cities are available to all Israelites and any foreigners residing among them, ensuring that anyone who kills another unintentionally can find refuge and not be killed by the avenger of blood before standing trial (Joshua 20:9). Connections to Additional Scriptures Numbers 35:9-15 Provides the initial instructions for the cities of refuge, emphasizing their importance in the Mosaic Law. Hebrews 6:18 Speaks of the hope set before us, which acts as a refuge, drawing a parallel to the cities of refuge as a place of safety. Psalm 46:1 Declares God as our refuge and strength, a reminder of His constant protection and care. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Justice and Mercy Thank God for His perfect balance of justice and mercy, as demonstrated through the cities of refuge. Guidance in Upholding Justice Pray for wisdom and courage to uphold justice in your community and personal life. Compassion for the Hurting Ask God to give you a heart of compassion for those who are hurting or in need of refuge. Strength to Reconcile Seek God's strength and grace to pursue reconciliation in strained relationships. Trust in God's Protection Pray for a deeper trust in God as your refuge and protector in all circumstances. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. Establishment of Cities of Refuge Joshua 20 begins with the LORD instructing Joshua to establish cities of refuge as He had commanded through Moses. These cities were meant to provide a safe haven for those who had killed someone unintentionally. The Hebrew term for "refuge" is "מִקְלָט" (miqlat), which signifies a place of asylum or protection. 2. Purpose of the Cities of Refuge The purpose of these cities was to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and mercy, ensuring that those who committed accidental manslaughter were not unjustly punished. 3. Criteria for Seeking Refuge The text specifies that the cities were for those who killed "unintentionally and without malice aforethought" (Joshua 20:3). The Hebrew phrase "בִּבְלִי דַעַת" (bivli da'at) translates to "without knowledge," emphasizing the lack of premeditation. 4. Procedure for the Manslayer Upon reaching a city of refuge, the manslayer was to stand at the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders. This process underscores the importance of community leadership and due process in ancient Israelite society. 5. Protection from the Avenger of Blood The cities provided protection from the "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam), a family member seeking to avenge the death. This role was part of the kinship responsibilities in ancient Israel, but the cities of refuge ensured that vengeance did not override justice. 6. Duration of Stay in the City of Refuge The manslayer was required to stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. This provision linked the manslayer's release to a significant religious event, symbolizing a form of atonement and new beginning. 7. Designation of Specific Cities Joshua 20 concludes with the naming of six specific cities as cities of refuge: Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. These cities were strategically located throughout the land to be accessible to all Israelites, reflecting God's provision and care for His people. Themes 1. Divine Justice and Mercy Joshua 20 outlines the establishment of cities of refuge, which reflects God's justice and mercy. These cities provided a safe haven for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood. This theme highlights God's provision for justice tempered with mercy. The Hebrew word for "refuge" (מִקְלָט, ^miqlat^) emphasizes a place of safety and protection. 2. Obedience to God's Command The chapter begins with the LORD speaking to Joshua, instructing him to designate cities of refuge as commanded through Moses (Joshua 20:1-2). This theme underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as a means of maintaining order and justice within the community. 3. Community Responsibility The cities of refuge were a communal responsibility, as they were to be accessible to all Israelites and foreigners residing among them (Joshua 20:9). This theme emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community to uphold justice and provide protection for the vulnerable. 4. Sanctity of Life The provision for cities of refuge underscores the sanctity of human life. By distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental killing, the law upholds the value of life and the need for careful discernment in matters of justice (Joshua 20:3). 5. Restoration and Reconciliation The cities of refuge allowed for a process of restoration and reconciliation. The accused could live in the city until the death of the high priest, after which they could return home without fear (Joshua 20:6). This theme points to the possibility of redemption and the restoration of relationships within the community. 6. Symbolism of Christ as Our Refuge From a Christian perspective, the cities of refuge can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and source of salvation. Just as the cities provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge and protection from the consequences of sin. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions