“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a reminder about a forgotten law; it's a direct command to "appoint" these cities, implying the people had been slow to act even though the instruction was given long ago. It highlights how easily we can put off God's commands, even when they're for our own protection and order.
“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Now that Israel has entered and begun to possess the promised land, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a vital command given through Moses. They must officially designate specific cities as places of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death, protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a proper trial could take place. This ensures justice is pursued fairly and prevents the land from being defiled by uncontrolled bloodshed.
Imagine a world where a simple mistake could cost you your life. The 'avenger of blood' was a harsh reality. How did God provide a way out?
The cities of refuge weren't loopholes to escape justice; they were a vital part of God's law for a society deeply impacted by blood feuds. In a culture where the nearest relative was expected to avenge any killing, even accidental ones, these cities offered a temporary sanctuary. They protected those who killed unintentionally, granting them safety until a fair trial could be held. This institution demonstrates God's concern for justice and compassion, even within a strict legal framework. It prevented immediate, potentially unrighteous, retribution and ensured due process.
These ancient cities offered protection from physical danger. But where do we find refuge from the ultimate danger – God's judgment?
Theologians throughout history have seen the cities of refuge as a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ. Just as the accidental manslayer fled to the nearest city for safety, believers flee to Jesus for protection from the condemnation of sin. Our 'avenger of blood' is God's righteous judgment against sin, and our 'accidental killing' is our own sinful nature and acts. Jesus, through His sacrifice, becomes our impenetrable refuge. We are safe not until the high priest dies, but until we stand before God fully redeemed, our sin atoned for by Christ's perfect life and death.
Understand the original words
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miqlat · Hebrew Noun
Designated locations established by divine law where a person who committed unintentional homicide could find protection from immediate retributive justice. Theologically, they prefigure Christ as the ultimate refuge for sinners.
This command to appoint cities of refuge comes *after* the land has been divided, emphasizing that even amidst settling and claiming their inheritance, God's laws for justice and mercy must be actively implemented.
c. 1400 BC
Mosaic Law Given
God institutes the law through Moses, including the commands for establishing cities of refuge to protect those who killed accidentally. This provided a crucial legal and social framework for Israel.
c. 1400 BC
Levitical Cities Designated
Following the command for cities of refuge, specific cities were allocated to the Levites, as these cities of refuge were to be Levitical cities. This ensured the religious and legal authority over these safe havens.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the conquest of Canaan. This military campaign was necessary to secure the land promised by God.
c. 1380 BC
Land Divided Among Tribes
After the conquest, the land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. This marked a significant transition from nomadic conquest to settled life.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Cities of Refuge Appointed
As the land is settled, Joshua, under God's command, officially designates and appoints the specific cities of refuge from the allocated Levitical cities, fulfilling the earlier command from Moses.
This passage establishes the original command for cities of refuge, highlighting the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing and laying the groundwork for the law's protection.
Numbers 35:9-15Here, the Lord provides the detailed laws and rationale for the cities of refuge, explaining their function for both Israelites and sojourners and emphasizing the sanctity of life.
Deuteronomy 19:1-10This passage reiterates the command to set aside cities of refuge, emphasizing the importance of establishing them to prevent the shedding of innocent blood and to protect unintentional killers.
Hebrews 6:17-20This New Testament passage draws a powerful parallel, showing how Christ serves as our ultimate city of refuge, offering sure and steadfast hope and security from God's wrath.
wesleyJoshua 20:2: "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:"
20:2 Appoint - The possessions being now divided among you, reserve some of them for the use which I have commanded. Cities of refuge - Designed to typify the relief which the gospel provides for poor, penitent sinners, and their protection from the curse of the law and the wrath of God, in our Lord Jesus, to whom believers fly for refuge.
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,…
This isn't just a reminder about a forgotten law; it's a direct command to "appoint" these cities, implying the people had been slow to act even though the instruction was given long ago. It highlights how easily we can put off God's commands, even when they're for our own protection and order.
Now that Israel has entered and begun to possess the promised land, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a vital command given through Moses. They must officially designate specific cities as places of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death, protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a proper trial could take place. This ensures justice is pursued fairly and prevents the land from being defiled by uncontrolled bloodshed.
Now that Israel has entered and begun to possess the promised land, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a vital command given through Moses. They must officially designate specific cities as places of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death, protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a proper trial could take place. This ensures justice is pursued fairly and prevents the land from being defiled by uncontrolled bloodshed.
"“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses," — This isn't just a reminder about a forgotten law; it's a direct command to "appoint" these cities, implying the people had been slow to act even though the instruction was given long ago. It highligh…
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Last reviewed October 2026