Joshua 21:32
And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Naphtali occupied the mountainous Galilee region north of the Sea of Galilee, bordering Phoenicia and Syria. Jacob's blessing described Naphtali as "a hind let loose" giving "goodly words" (Genesis 49:21)—suggesting freedom and eloquence. The tribe's territory was rugged but beautiful, with varied topography from the Sea of Galilee to the Lebanese mountains. This geographical diversity required Levites who could minister effectively across different communities.
Kedesh in Galilee became one of the first Israelite territories conquered by foreign powers—Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria captured it in 732 BCE (2 Kings 15:29), beginning the northern kingdom's dismemberment. Isaiah prophesied that this region of darkness would see great light (Isaiah 9:1-2), fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12-16). The Messiah's ministry centered in formerly pagan, conquered territory—demonstrating that God's redemptive purposes overcome human failure.
The allocation of three cities from Naphtali completed the northern Levitical network. Gershonite cities in Naphtali, Asher, Issachar, and half-Manasseh created comprehensive coverage of Israel's northern territories—areas most exposed to pagan influence from surrounding nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Kedesh's dual role as refuge city and mustering point for holy war illustrate the tension between mercy and justice in God's character?
- What does Jesus' ministry focus on Galilee teach about God's redemptive purposes in places marked by past compromise and defeat?
- In what ways can the church provide both spiritual refuge for the guilty and equipping for spiritual warfare?
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Analysis & Commentary
And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
Naphtali's allocation begins with Kedesh in Galilee, another city holding dual function as Levitical city and ir miklat (עִיר מִקְלָט, "city of refuge"). The name Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ) means "holy" or "sacred," from the root qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ). Multiple cities bore this name; the designation "in Galilee" (בַּגָּלִיל) distinguishes this northern location from other Kedesh cities. Tel Kedesh in Upper Galilee preserves the ancient site.
Kedesh in Galilee gained prominence as the mustering point where Deborah summoned Barak to fight Sisera (Judges 4:6, 9-10). The city's role as refuge center required Levitical administration of complex legal cases—distinguishing intentional murder from accidental manslaughter demanded both legal expertise and spiritual discernment (Numbers 35:22-25). The combination of legal judgment and refuge ministry illustrates how God's justice and mercy always operate together.
Hammoth-dor (חַמֹּת דֹּאר, "hot springs of Dor") is called Hammon in Joshua 19:35 and Hammoth in 1 Chronicles 6:76—variations reflecting the city's identification by its thermal springs. The name suggests natural hot springs in the area. Kartan (קַרְתָּן) appears as Kirjathaim in 1 Chronicles 6:76. The variations in biblical manuscripts remind us that ancient scribes worked without standardized spelling, yet the substance of God's Word remains reliable despite minor textual differences.