Joshua 20:2
“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
God doesn't just tell them to appoint cities of refuge; He emphasizes that this command comes through Moses, reminding them that this isn't a new idea but a continuation of what God had already established. It highlights how God's instructions build upon themselves, requiring obedience to what was previously revealed.
With the land of Canaan now divided among the tribes, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a command given long ago through Moses. This is the moment to officially designate the "cities of refuge," a crucial safeguard meant to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family. The selection and establishment of these cities are vital for maintaining justice and preventing further bloodshed in the newly occupied land.
Imagine accidentally causing someone's death. In a world where vengeance could be swift and brutal, how could you find safety?
The cities of refuge weren't just random towns; they were a divinely ordained system of justice. This wasn't a loophole for murderers, but a vital protection for those who had caused death unintentionally.
Protection from Vengeance
In ancient Israel, the concept of the 'avenger of blood' was a powerful cultural force. If someone died, their closest relative had a duty to seek vengeance. This could lead to cycles of violence.
A Fair Hearing
The cities of refuge offered a sanctuary, a safe place to flee. But it wasn't automatic freedom. The person had to present their case to the elders of the city. If they could prove the killing was accidental and not out of hatred, they were granted protection.
Temporary Safety
This protection lasted until a full trial before the congregation. If found innocent of malice, they could remain in the city of refuge, safe from the avenger, until the death of the high priest. This period symbolized a time for passions to cool and for justice to be thoroughly administered.
This ancient law, while protecting the accidentally guilty, points to an even greater safety found in Christ.
The cities of refuge served as a powerful symbol, a foreshadowing of the spiritual refuge God provides through Jesus Christ.
Beyond Physical Safety
While the cities protected from physical vengeance, they couldn't offer eternal salvation. The 'avenger of blood' in this earthly system is a shadow of the spiritual consequences of sin.
Christ, Our True Sanctuary
Through Jesus, believers find ultimate refuge from the wrath of God against sin. When we flee to Him in faith, we are protected from the penalty we deserve.
Understand the original words
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 from Joshua highlights the importance of establishing justice and protection for the innocent even amidst the settling of a new land after conquest. It shows God's law continuing to be implemented, providing mercy alongside His judgment and promises.
c. 1400 BC
Mosaic Law Established
God gives the Law through Moses, including commands for cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally killed someone.
c. 1400 BC
Levitical Cities Designated
Specific cities are allocated to the Levites, the priestly tribe, forming the basis from which the cities of refuge will be chosen.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Wandering
The Israelites journey through the wilderness, during which the laws for cities of refuge were given by God to Moses.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the military conquest of the land of Canaan.
After Conquest
This passage first introduces the concept of a place of refuge for those who accidentally kill someone, laying the groundwork for the more detailed instructions given later through Moses and reiterated in Joshua.
Numbers 35:6-32This is the primary Old Testament passage detailing the laws and specifications for the cities of refuge, including their purpose, number, and the process for seeking refuge, which Joshua is now tasked with implementing.
Deuteronomy 19:1-13This passage reiterates the divine command for establishing cities of refuge and expands on the legal and social reasons behind this institution, emphasizing the protection of the innocent and the prevention of innocent blood from being shed.
Hebrews 6:17-20This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel between the Old Testament cities of refuge and the security found in Christ, presenting Jesus as our ultimate refuge in whom we have a sure and steadfast hope.
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,…
God doesn't just tell them to appoint cities of refuge; He emphasizes that this command comes through Moses, reminding them that this isn't a new idea but a continuation of what God had already established. It highlights how God's instructions build upon themselves, requiring obedience to what was previously revealed.
With the land of Canaan now divided among the tribes, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a command given long ago through Moses. This is the moment to officially designate the "cities of refuge," a crucial safeguard meant to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family. The selection and establishment of these cities are vital for maintaining justice and preventing further bloodshed in the newly occupied land.
With the land of Canaan now divided among the tribes, God instructs Joshua to remind the people of a command given long ago through Moses. This is the moment to officially designate the "cities of refuge," a crucial safeguard meant to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family. The selection and establishment of these cities are vital for maintaining justice and preventing further bloodshed in the newly occupied land.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Joshua 20:2 is available in the Sola app.
Permanent Security
Unlike the temporary refuge of the cities, which ended with the death of the high priest, Christ's sacrifice offers permanent atonement and eternal security for all who trust in Him.
Land Divided Among Tribes
The land of Canaan is systematically divided and allotted to the twelve tribes of Israel.
After Conquest— this verse
Joshua Appoints Cities of Refuge
Joshua, following God's command, formally designates the specific cities of refuge from the Levitical cities and tribal lands.
"“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses," — God doesn't just tell them to appoint cities of refuge; He emphasizes that this command comes through Moses, reminding them that this isn't a new idea but a continuation of what God had already est…
