Joshua 20:8
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.
Original Language Analysis
וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר
And on the other side
H5676
וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר
And on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
נָֽתְנ֞וּ
they assigned
H5414
נָֽתְנ֞וּ
they assigned
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
8 of 21
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
בַּמִּישֹׁ֖ר
upon the plain
H4334
בַּמִּישֹׁ֖ר
upon the plain
Strong's:
H4334
Word #:
9 of 21
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
H4294
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
10 of 21
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּגִּלְעָד֙
in Gilead
H1568
בַּגִּלְעָד֙
in Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
14 of 21
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
H4294
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
15 of 21
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
גָ֔ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֔ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
16 of 21
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
in Bashan
H1316
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
in Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
19 of 21
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
Cross References
1 Chronicles 6:78And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,Joshua 21:36And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,Joshua 21:27And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beesh-terah with her suburbs; two cities.Joshua 21:38And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
Historical Context
The Transjordan tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh) received equal provision with western tribes. These cities lay strategically along major routes, easily accessible to fugitives. Their eastern placement served the 2.5 tribes living beyond the Jordan.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the six refuge cities point toward but fall short of the perfect refuge found in Christ?
- What does equal provision for eastern and western tribes teach about God's impartial justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh—Three Transjordan cities balance the western three. Bezer means 'fortress/gold ore,' Ramoth 'heights,' Golan 'their rejoicing.' Together, six cities ensure no Israelite lacks access to refuge.
Six is humanity's number (created on the sixth day), and these six cities served humanity's need for mercy. Yet six falls short of seven (completion/perfection)—only Christ provides perfect refuge. The cities offer temporary asylum; Christ gives eternal security (Hebrews 6:18-20).