The original Hebrew word used here, "sanctified," reveals that these weren't just designated cities, but were set apart for a holy purpose. This highlights that even in matters of justice and safety, God’s presence and His law were meant to be central.
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. And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the elders are now establishing the system of cities of refuge, a divine command to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death. This passage specifically names three of these sanctuary cities located in the central, northern, and southern regions of the Israelites' territory west of the Jordan River. These strategically placed, Levitical cities served as havens, allowing an accused manslayer to find safety until their case could be fairly judged, preventing immediate retribution from the victim's family.
Ever felt lost or unsure where to turn in a crisis? The ancient Israelites had a physical system designed for just that.
The selection and placement of these cities weren't random. God’s design ensured that safety was accessible.
Imagine being an accidental killer, fearing for your life. Where would you find not just safety, but also guidance?
These cities weren't just safe havens; they were intentionally connected to the Levitical tribe, God's chosen mediators of His Law.
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Ancient commentators saw deeper meanings in these cities. What might they reveal about God's ultimate plan for us?
The names and functions of these cities carried profound symbolic weight, pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
The selection of these cities of refuge was a critical act of justice and mercy, ensuring that unintentional killings did not lead to further bloodshed or defilement of the land, and demonstrating the value God placed on human life.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and wilderness wandering, the Israelites under Joshua's leadership conquered the land of Canaan. This event established their presence and control over the promised land.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Tribal Allotment of Land
After the conquest, the land of Canaan was divided and allotted to the twelve Israelite tribes. This division set the geographical and political framework for the nation.
c. 1350 BC
Levitical Cities Appointed
As commanded by God, specific cities were designated for the Levites, the priestly tribe. These cities were scattered among the other tribes and held special significance.
c. 1350 BC— this verse
Designation of Cities of Refuge
The Lord commanded the Israelites to set apart six specific Levitical cities as places of refuge for those who had unintentionally killed someone. These cities were strategically located across the land.
This passage directly precedes the command to appoint cities of refuge, establishing the purpose and context for the selection mentioned in Joshua 20:7.
Hebrews 6:18The author of Hebrews points to the cities of refuge as a symbol of the 'hope set before us,' drawing a direct parallel between physical refuge and spiritual hope in Christ.
Deuteronomy 19:3This verse outlines the practical requirements for the cities of refuge, such as clear paths and accessibility, highlighting the intentionality behind their placement, as seen in Joshua 20:7.
Joshua 21:11-13This passage shows that the cities designated as cities of refuge were also cities belonging to the Levites, emphasizing the role of the Levitical priests in administering justice and offering sanctuary.
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 original Hebrew word used here, "sanctified," reveals that these weren't just designated cities, but were set apart for a holy purpose. This highlights that even in matters of justice and safety, God’s presence and His law were meant to be central.
After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the elders are now establishing the system of cities of refuge, a divine command to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death. This passage specifically names three of these sanctuary cities located in the central, northern, and southern regions of the Israelites' territory west of the Jordan River. These strategically placed, Levitical cities served as havens, allowing an accused manslayer to find safety until their case could be fairly judged, preventing immediate retribution from the victim's family.
After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the elders are now establishing the system of cities of refuge, a divine command to protect those who unintentionally caused someone's death. This passage specifically names three of these sanctuary cities located in the central, northern, and southern regions of the Israelites' territory west of the Jordan River. These strategically placed, Levitical cities served as havens, allowing an accused manslayer to find safety until their case could be fairly judged, preventing immediate retribution from the victim's family.
"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. And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer i…" — The original Hebrew word used here, "sanctified," reveals that these weren't just designated cities, but were set apart for a holy purpose. This highlights that even in matters of justice and safet…
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Last reviewed October 2026
