Joshua 20: Cities of Refuge – A Detailed Explanation
Introduction
Joshua chapter 20 is a pivotal passage in the Old Testament, detailing God’s instructions regarding the Cities of Refuge in ancient Israel. These cities served as sanctuaries for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, offering them protection from avengers until a fair trial could take place. This system reflects God’s justice, mercy, and order in the governance of Israel.
This chapter is a fulfillment of earlier commands given in the books of Exodus (21:12-14), Numbers (35:9-34), and Deuteronomy (19:1-13), demonstrating continuity in God’s divine law.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Verses 1-2: God’s Command to Joshua
"Then the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, “Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses.”’" (Joshua 20:1-2, NASB)
Here, God directly commands Joshua to establish the Cities of Refuge, fulfilling the promise made earlier through Moses. This moment highlights Joshua’s role as a leader who executes God’s decrees, reinforcing his authority and Israel’s covenantal relationship with Yahweh.
The command also illustrates God’s foresight and provision for both justice and mercy. While murder was a serious crime requiring the death penalty (Genesis 9:6), God recognized that accidental killings could occur and required a system of protection for the innocent.
Verses 3-4: Purpose of the Cities
"So that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood. And he shall flee to one of these cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and state his case in the hearing of the elders of that city; and they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, so that he may live among them."
These verses establish the purpose of the Cities of Refuge: to protect those who committed manslaughter (accidental killing) from vengeance by the victim’s family.
Key Aspects of this Law:
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Distinction between Murder and Manslaughter – The passage differentiates between premeditated murder (which was punishable by death) and unintentional killings, which required protection and proper judgment.
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The Role of the Avenger of Blood – In ancient Israelite society, the victim’s nearest male relative had the duty of avenging the blood of their kin. This custom was meant to maintain justice, but without regulations, it could lead to unchecked vengeance.
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Due Process – The accused was not automatically granted asylum but had to state their case before the elders. The elders acted as initial judges, deciding whether the person was eligible for refuge.
Verses 5-6: Protection and Fair Judgment
"Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, then they are not to hand the manslayer over to him, because he struck his neighbor without premeditation and did not hate him beforehand. And he shall live in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the manslayer shall return to his own city and to his own house, to the city from which he fled."
This section reinforces justice, fairness, and mercy by ensuring that a person could not be wrongfully executed. If someone killed unintentionally, the elders of the City of Refuge were to protect him from the avenger of blood.
Important Legal Principles:
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Intent Matters – If the killing was accidental (i.e., without prior hatred), the person was granted protection.
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Temporary Exile Until the High Priest’s Death – The manslayer was to stay in the City of Refuge until the ruling High Priest died.
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Restoration to Society – After the High Priest’s death, the manslayer could return home without fear of retribution.
This provision served two purposes:
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It ensured that justice was served in a way that was proportional to the crime.
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The High Priest’s death symbolized atonement and a new beginning for the nation.
Verses 7-9: The Six Cities of Refuge
"So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. These were the designated cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who resides among them, so that whoever kills a person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation."
Joshua followed God’s instructions and designated six cities:
Western Side of the Jordan (Canaan Proper)
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Kedesh (Naphtali) – Northern region
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Shechem (Ephraim) – Central region
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Hebron (Judah) – Southern region
Eastern Side of the Jordan (Transjordan Tribes)
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Bezer (Reuben) – South
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Ramoth-Gilead (Gad) – Central region
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Golan (Manasseh) – North
Significance of Their Locations
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These cities were evenly distributed across Israel, ensuring accessibility.
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They were all Levitical cities, meaning they were administered by priests, ensuring fair judgment.
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They were near main roads, so those fleeing could reach them quickly.
Inclusivity of the Law
The final verse emphasizes that the Cities of Refuge were not only for Israelites but also for foreigners (sojourners) living among them. This underscores God's commitment to justice for all people, not just His chosen nation.
Theological and Practical Implications
1. God’s Justice and Mercy
Joshua 20 presents a balance between justice (punishing intentional murder) and mercy (protecting the innocent). It shows that God values human life and ensures fairness in legal matters.
2. The Cities as a Foreshadowing of Christ
The Cities of Refuge prefigure Jesus Christ, who offers refuge to sinners:
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Just as the manslayer could flee to a city for safety, sinners can run to Christ for salvation (Hebrews 6:18).
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The death of the High Priest set the manslayer free, just as Jesus’ death on the cross frees believers from the penalty of sin.
3. The Importance of Due Process
The legal system established in Joshua 20 highlights the necessity of proper investigation and fair trials—principles still foundational in modern justice systems.
4. A Lesson in Forgiveness and Restoration
The fact that the manslayer could return home after the High Priest’s death symbolizes that forgiveness and restoration are possible. This is a strong biblical theme seen in both the Old and New Testaments.
Conclusion
Joshua 20 is a profound chapter illustrating God's wisdom in lawgiving. The Cities of Refuge were divinely ordained sanctuaries ensuring justice, mercy, and protection for the innocent. Their significance extends beyond ancient Israel, pointing forward to Christ, our ultimate Refuge.
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