The verse emphasizes that the manslayer must stand "at the entrance of the gate" and "declare his cause." This wasn't just about hiding, but about a public presentation of their case to the city elders, highlighting a formal process of seeking justice and protection, not mere sanctuary.
He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the practical process for a manslayer to claim refuge in one of the designated cities. It follows the divine command to establish these cities, ensuring that those who killed someone unintentionally are protected from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a full trial can take place. The process involves presenting oneself at the city gate, explaining the circumstances to the elders, and being granted entry and lodging.
Imagine rushing into a city, desperate for safety. Where do you go first? The text points to a specific, public place, not a hidden corner.
The fugitive doesn't just stumble into safety; he arrives at the 'entering of the gate of the city.' This wasn't a secluded spot, but the public forum where legal matters were handled. The 'elders of that city' would gather here. This highlights that even in seeking refuge, there's an immediate need for transparency and a public declaration of one's case. It wasn't about hiding, but about presenting oneself for a preliminary judgment.
Does reaching the city of refuge mean you're automatically free? Not quite. The text reveals a crucial step before full sanctuary is granted.
The elders 'shall take him into the city and give him a place.' This wasn't an automatic pardon, but a provisional acceptance. The fugitive had to 'declare his cause,' and the elders had to be satisfied that the killing was unintentional. This is the first line of defense against the avenger of blood. It's a temporary safety, a place of waiting. True exoneration would come later, before the congregation, and especially upon the death of the high priest. This system protected the genuinely accidental killer without letting murderers escape justice.
Why did God ordain these cities? The text hints at a deeper purpose behind providing refuge for those who caused unintentional harm.
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The elders 'give him a place' because 'God gave them the city with a reservation for such persons.' This reveals a profound aspect of God's character: He values human life so highly that He provides a specific, divinely appointed sanctuary. It's a place 'reserved' by God Himself. This wasn't just a legal loophole; it was an act of compassion for the 'unfortunate' and a way to prevent the land from being defiled by the shedding of innocent blood. It shows that justice and mercy, while distinct, can coexist in God's economy.
Understand the original words
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the city gate was the central place for legal proceedings, business, and social gatherings. It served as the jurisdictional boundary where community elders judged cases.
zaqen · Hebrew Noun
Respected leaders or heads of families within an Israelite community who were responsible for governing, making judicial decisions, and upholding the covenant law among the people.
The cities of refuge weren't just random havens; they were divinely appointed spaces within the tribal lands, specifically within Levitical cities, underscoring the sacredness of justice and the value God places on every life, even in cases of accidental death.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
After the Exodus and wandering, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan, dividing it among the twelve tribes.
c. 1400 BC
Levitical Cities Appointed
Following the conquest, specific cities are designated for the Levites, who have no land inheritance of their own. This includes the selection of cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Establishment of Cities of Refuge
The Lord instructs Joshua to designate six specific cities scattered throughout Israel as places of refuge for those who committed unintentional homicide, as commanded earlier in the Law.
c. 1400 BC
Inclusion of Foreigners
The law concerning cities of refuge is explicitly stated to apply to both Israelites and any foreigners living among them, ensuring equal justice.
This passage further details the process of the manslayer being received into the city of refuge, emphasizing the legal and judicial aspect of his claim for protection. It echoes the provisional acceptance described in Joshua 20:4.
Deuteronomy 19:12This verse speaks to the elders of the city of refuge having to decide whether to bring the manslayer back to the city where the crime occurred, highlighting the elders' role in the judgment and protection process that begins at the gate, as seen in Joshua 20:4.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel between the Old Testament cities of refuge and the refuge believers find in Christ, showing how the concept of seeking safety and protection in a designated place continues in spiritual terms.
Psalm 119:114This psalm expresses the heart's cry for God as a place of refuge and hiding, mirroring the physical act of fleeing to a city of refuge for safety from a pursuing threat.
wesleyJoshua 20:4: "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."
20:4 The gate - Where the judges used to sit. His cause - Shall give them a true relation of the fact, and all its circumstances. They shall take him - If they are satisfied in the relation he makes, concerning the…
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 verse emphasizes that the manslayer must stand "at the entrance of the gate" and "declare his cause." This wasn't just about hiding, but about a public presentation of their case to the city elders, highlighting a formal process of seeking justice and protection, not mere sanctuary.
This passage describes the practical process for a manslayer to claim refuge in one of the designated cities. It follows the divine command to establish these cities, ensuring that those who killed someone unintentionally are protected from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a full trial can take place. The process involves presenting oneself at the city gate, explaining the circumstances to the elders, and being granted entry and lodging.
This passage describes the practical process for a manslayer to claim refuge in one of the designated cities. It follows the divine command to establish these cities, ensuring that those who killed someone unintentionally are protected from the immediate vengeance of the victim's family until a full trial can take place. The process involves presenting oneself at the city gate, explaining the circumstances to the elders, and being granted entry and lodging.
"He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them." — The verse emphasizes that the manslayer must stand "at the entrance of the gate" and "declare his cause." This wasn't just about hiding, but about a public presentation of their case to the city elde…
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Last reviewed October 2026
