Then the LORD said to Joshua,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that God again speaks to Joshua, not just giving a new command, but reminding him of what Moses had already instructed. This highlights the importance of these cities of refuge, suggesting the people were slow to fully implement this vital protection until prompted by God.
Then the LORD said to Joshua,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Now that the tribes have received their land allotments, God speaks to Joshua again, reminding him and the people to set aside specific cities for those who commit accidental manslaughter, a command previously given by Moses. This instruction is crucial for preventing the land from being defiled by blood and ensuring justice and mercy, as these cities would protect the slayer until a full trial could be held. The establishment of these cities of refuge follows closely on the heels of the land division, underscoring its immediate importance for the ordered life of Israel in their new homeland.
The dust has barely settled from dividing the land, and God's voice rings out again. Why now, right after a major accomplishment?
The verse opens with a direct, immediate command from the LORD to Joshua. This wasn't a casual conversation; it was God speaking, likely from the Tabernacle where Joshua, Eleazar, and the princes were present, having just finished distributing the land.
This timing is significant. After a monumental task like allocating territory in the Promised Land, it would be easy for the people to rest on their laurels. But God's instruction about the cities of refuge shows His ongoing concern for justice and order, even amidst settlement and success. It reminds us that God's commands are not just for moments of crisis, but for the everyday functioning of His people, ensuring His law is upheld and His people are protected.
These cities weren't just geographic locations; they pointed to something far greater. What spiritual truth do they foreshadow?
The ancient commentators often saw the cities of refuge as a powerful picture, or type, of Jesus Christ and the refuge He provides. When someone accidentally killed another, they could flee to these cities for protection from the avenger of blood. This protection lasted until a full trial, and ultimately, until the death of the High Priest.
In a similar way, believers flee to Jesus for refuge from the condemnation and wrath of the law, and from the spiritual enemy who seeks to destroy us. Our safety isn't based on our own merit but on God's provision through Christ. Like the accidental homicide, we are not guilty of intentional rebellion, but our sin requires a perfect atonement. Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, has died, and through Him, we find permanent safety and freedom from God's judgment.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His faithfulness and self-existence to His people. It signifies the God who saves and keeps His promises.
This command to establish cities of refuge comes immediately after the land has been allocated to the tribes. It highlights God's concern for justice and mercy, ensuring that accidental killings don't lead to unchecked blood feuds while still holding accountable those who commit intentional murder.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Following years of wandering in the desert, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land, establishing tribal territories.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Tribal Territories Allocated
After the conquest, the land of Canaan is divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, a process that concludes in Joshua chapter 19.
c. 1400-1350 BC— this verse
God Commands Cities of Refuge
The LORD instructs Joshua to designate specific cities for accidental manslayers to flee to for protection, based on earlier commands from Moses.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Six Cities of Refuge Appointed
Joshua and the elders establish three cities west of the Jordan and three cities east of the Jordan as places of refuge.
This passage lays the foundational command for the concept of a place of refuge, establishing the divine intent for protection for those who kill unintentionally before Joshua's command.
Numbers 35:10-15This is where the Lord first details the institution of cities of refuge, providing the specific laws and reasons for their establishment, which Joshua is now being directed to implement.
Deuteronomy 19:1-10Moses reiterates and expands upon the command for cities of refuge, emphasizing their purpose in preventing the pollution of the land with innocent blood and providing clear instructions.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel, identifying Jesus Christ as the ultimate refuge for believers, echoing the protective function of the Old Testament cities of refuge for accidental slayers.
gillJoshua 20:1: "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
The Lord also spake unto Joshua,.... Out of the tabernacle, at the door of which he with the high priest and princes were; the Lord had spoken to him before concerning dividing the land among the tribes, Joshua 13:1 ; and this being done he speaks to him again: saying: as follows.
calvinJoshua 20:1-9: "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
Et fugiet ad unam ex civitatibus istis, stabitque ad ostium portae urbis, ac loquetur in auribus seniorum urbis ipsius verba sua, et recolligent eum in urbem ad se,…
The text emphasizes that God again speaks to Joshua, not just giving a new command, but reminding him of what Moses had already instructed. This highlights the importance of these cities of refuge, suggesting the people were slow to fully implement this vital protection until prompted by God.
Now that the tribes have received their land allotments, God speaks to Joshua again, reminding him and the people to set aside specific cities for those who commit accidental manslaughter, a command previously given by Moses. This instruction is crucial for preventing the land from being defiled by blood and ensuring justice and mercy, as these cities would protect the slayer until a full trial could be held. The establishment of these cities of refuge follows closely on the heels of the land division, underscoring its immediate importance for the ordered life of Israel in their new homeland.
Now that the tribes have received their land allotments, God speaks to Joshua again, reminding him and the people to set aside specific cities for those who commit accidental manslaughter, a command previously given by Moses. This instruction is crucial for preventing the land from being defiled by blood and ensuring justice and mercy, as these cities would protect the slayer until a full trial could be held. The establishment of these cities of refuge follows closely on the heels of the land division, underscoring its immediate importance for the ordered life of Israel in their new homeland.
"Then the LORD said to Joshua," — The text emphasizes that God again speaks to Joshua, not just giving a new command, but reminding him of what Moses had already instructed. This highlights the importance of these cities of refuge,…
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Last reviewed October 2026