So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights the strategic placement of these cities: Kedesh in the north, Shechem in the center, and Hebron in the south. This wasn't just about convenience; it intentionally distributed divine protection across the entire land, ensuring no one was too far from a place of safety.
So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following God's command, Joshua and the Israelites are now setting aside specific cities designated as places of refuge. These aren't just any towns; they are strategically chosen, well-located Levitical cities spread across the land, ensuring that anyone who had unintentionally caused a death could flee to safety. This act solidifies a vital system of justice and mercy established to prevent further bloodshed and protect the innocent.
Ever wondered why specific cities were chosen for safety? It wasn't random; God’s wisdom guided their placement across the land.
The selection of these cities wasn't accidental. They were strategically positioned across the Promised Land to be accessible from all directions.
This thoughtful distribution ensured that no matter where an accidental killing occurred, a refugee could reach a place of safety within a reasonable time, often noted as a half-day's journey. This highlights God's practical care for His people, ensuring His mercy was within reach.
These weren't just safe havens; they were set apart for a holy purpose, pointing to something even greater.
The very act of appointing these cities carried a sacred weight. The Hebrew word used can mean 'sanctified' or 'set apart' for a holy purpose.
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This concept is deeply tied to a larger theological truth: these cities were a foreshadowing of Christ. Their names and functions were seen by ancient interpreters as symbolic of Jesus's role as our ultimate refuge and sanctification.
The strategic placement of these three cities—Kedesh in the north, Shechem in the center, and Hebron in the south—ensured that any Israelite accidentally responsible for a death could reach a place of safety within a day's journey, reflecting God's care for justice and mercy even in the face of retribution.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest and Division of Canaan
Following their Exodus from Egypt and wilderness wanderings, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquered Canaan and began dividing the land among the twelve tribes. This established the tribal territories which are foundational to the placement of the cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC
Establishment of Levitical Cities
As part of the land distribution, specific cities were allocated to the Levites, the priestly tribe, who had no inheritance of their own. These Levitical cities would later serve as the designated cities of refuge.
c. 1400 BC
Divine Command for Cities of Refuge
God commanded Moses (and later reiterated the command) to set aside cities throughout the land for those who unintentionally killed someone, providing a sanctuary from the avenger of blood.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Appointment of Six Cities of Refuge
After the conquest and division of the land, Joshua, following God's command, formally appointed six Levitical cities – three on each side of the Jordan River – to serve as cities of refuge.
This passage lays the groundwork by commanding the establishment of cities of refuge, directly preceding the selection mentioned in Joshua 20:7.
Deuteronomy 19:1-7This text explains the divine reasoning and requirement for setting apart these cities, highlighting the purpose of protecting unintentional manslayers.
Joshua 21:11-13This passage reveals that the cities appointed, including Hebron, were specifically Levitical cities, underscoring their sacred function and the Levitical role in administering justice.
Hebrews 6:18The New Testament author directly alludes to the cities of refuge as a symbolic representation of the hope and security found in Christ.
clarkeJoshua 20:7: "And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah."
They appointed Kedesh in Galilee - The cities of refuge were distributed through the land at proper distances from each other that they might be convenient to every part of the land; and it is said they were situated on eminences, that they might be easily seen at a distance, the roads leading to them being broad, even, and always kept…
bensonJoshua 20:7: "And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah."
Joshua 20:7 . And they appointed — Concerning these cities, note, 1st, That they were all upon mountains, that they might be seen at a great distance, and so direct those who fled thither. 2d, That they were seated at a convenient distance one from another, for the benefit of the several tribes; for Kedesh was in the north, Hebron in th…
The text highlights the strategic placement of these cities: Kedesh in the north, Shechem in the center, and Hebron in the south. This wasn't just about convenience; it intentionally distributed divine protection across the entire land, ensuring no one was too far from a place of safety.
Following God's command, Joshua and the Israelites are now setting aside specific cities designated as places of refuge. These aren't just any towns; they are strategically chosen, well-located Levitical cities spread across the land, ensuring that anyone who had unintentionally caused a death could flee to safety. This act solidifies a vital system of justice and mercy established to prevent further bloodshed and protect the innocent.
Following God's command, Joshua and the Israelites are now setting aside specific cities designated as places of refuge. These aren't just any towns; they are strategically chosen, well-located Levitical cities spread across the land, ensuring that anyone who had unintentionally caused a death could flee to safety. This act solidifies a vital system of justice and mercy established to prevent further bloodshed and protect the innocent.
"So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah." — The text highlights the strategic placement of these cities: Kedesh in the north, Shechem in the center, and Hebron in the south. This wasn't just about convenience; it intentionally distributed divi…
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Last reviewed October 2026