Joshua 20:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 20:2
2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
Chapter Context
Joshua 20 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, wisdom, creation. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 20:2
2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
Analysis
God commands Israel to establish cities of refuge, fulfilling instructions given through Moses (Numbers 35:6-34; Deuteronomy 19:1-13). The phrase 'Appoint out for you' (tenu lakhem, תְּנוּ לָכֶם) makes this a corporate responsibility—the entire nation must designate these cities. The term 'cities of refuge' (arei miklat, עָרֵי מִקְלָט) uses miklat from the root meaning to absorb or receive, indicating places of safe reception. These cities provided asylum for unintentional manslayers, preventing blood revenge while awaiting proper trial. The system balanced justice (murderers must die) with mercy (accidental killers deserve protection). Six cities were designated—three east and three west of Jordan (verses 7-8), ensuring accessibility throughout Israel. Theologically, cities of refuge typify Christ as believers' refuge from divine judgment. Just as manslayers fled to these cities for salvation from the avenger of blood, sinners flee to Christ for salvation from divine wrath. Hebrews 6:18 uses similar imagery: we 'have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.' The cities' accessibility parallels Christ's universal availability to all who come to Him in faith.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies practiced lex talionis (eye for eye, life for life) and blood vengeance where family members avenged murdered relatives. Without legal protections, accidental killers faced death from 'avengers of blood' (goel hadam, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם)—relatives obligated to execute vengeance. Cities of refuge prevented vigilante justice while maintaining the distinction between murder and manslaughter. The six cities—Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (west of Jordan); Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (east of Jordan)—were Levitical cities strategically located for maximum accessibility (Joshua 21:13-38). Ancient Israelite roads were maintained to these cities with clear signage (Makkot 10a in Jewish tradition), ensuring fugitives could reach safety. The manslayer remained in the refuge city until the high priest's death (Numbers 35:25-28), when he could safely return home. The high priest's death provided atonement releasing the manslayer, typologically pointing to Christ's atoning death releasing sinners from judgment. This system demonstrated Israel's sophisticated legal framework balancing justice, mercy, and communal responsibility—advanced concepts not universally present in ancient Near Eastern law.
Reflection
- How does Christ serve as your 'city of refuge' from the judgment your sins deserve?
- What does the accessibility of refuge cities teach about the gospel's universal availability to all who flee to Christ?
- How does the high priest's death releasing the manslayer point to Christ's death accomplishing our redemption?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 35:6