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)
These cities on the eastern side of the Jordan weren't newly appointed but were assigned or applied to their purpose now, fulfilling Moses' earlier decree. This highlights that God's provision for refuge was established from the beginning of their inheritance, not an afterthought, and was ready to serve as soon as it was needed.
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)
This passage concludes the appointment of the six cities of refuge, detailing the three cities located east of the Jordan River. These cities, designated for those who had unintentionally killed someone, were chosen from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This act fulfills a long-standing command given by Moses, ensuring that anyone fleeing accidental manslaughter could find safety and not face immediate retribution from the victim's avenger.
Why does Joshua 20 mention cities east of the Jordan when Moses already designated them?
This passage in Joshua highlights the practical fulfillment of a divine command given by Moses years earlier (Deuteronomy 4:41-43). While Moses assigned these cities, Joshua's generation applied them to their intended use. It wasn't about establishing new places, but confirming and making functional the ancient decree. This shows God's faithfulness across generations and the importance of seeing His commands fully realized in our lives.
Look at the specific locations mentioned – Bezer, Ramoth, Golan. What do they reveal about God's care?
The strategic placement of these cities, spread out across the land east of the Jordan (Bezer in the south, Ramoth in the center, Golan in the north), demonstrates meticulous divine planning. Even the landscape was considered: 'in the wilderness,' 'upon the plain,' 'in Gilead,' 'in Bashan.' God didn't just provide refuge; He provided accessible, well-defined refuge, ensuring that even accidental manslaughterers could find safety. This echoes how God's grace is not only sufficient but also practical and readily available for us.
Could these ancient cities hold a deeper meaning pointing to Jesus?
The names of these cities, and the purpose they served, offer a beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. 'Bezer' means 'fortification,' 'Ramoth' means 'high place' or 'exalted,' and 'Golan' signifies 'joy' or 'exultation.' These names reflect who Jesus is for us: our strong defense, the one God has highly exalted, and the source of our ultimate joy and salvation. Like the manslayer fleeing to these cities, we flee to Christ for safety from the judgment our sins deserve.
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c. 1400 BC
Moses Appoints Cities of Refuge
During the conquest of the lands east of the Jordan River, Moses designates Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan as cities of refuge according to God's command. These were divinely intended to protect those who had accidentally caused a death.
c. 1400 BC
Levites Receive Cities
Following the conquest, the Levitical tribes are allocated their cities throughout the land of Canaan, including those designated as cities of refuge. This process ensures the Levites, who serve as spiritual guides, are spread among the people.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Completes Land Allocation
After conquering Canaan, Joshua oversees the division and allocation of the land to the twelve tribes of Israel. This marks the fulfillment of God's promise of land to Abraham's descendants.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Designation of Cities of Refuge Confirmed
Joshua, following Moses' earlier command and the allocation of land, formally assigns the specific cities of refuge. This includes the three cities east of the Jordan (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan) and three west of the Jordan (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron).
This passage directly precedes the naming of these specific cities in Deuteronomy, highlighting the divine command to set aside these places for refuge.
Deuteronomy 4:41This passage shows that Moses had already designated these cities for refuge, and this event in Joshua marks their formal assignment and application for that purpose.
Joshua 21:38This verse confirms that these cities, like the others, were designated as Levitical cities, underscoring their sacred purpose as places of sanctuary.
1 Kings 4:13This passage later mentions Ramoth-gilead as a significant administrative center, hinting at its strategic importance and the permanence of its role beyond just being a refuge.
bensonJoshua 20:8: "And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh."
Joshua 20:8-9 . On the other side Jordan they assigned — Or had assigned, or given; for these cities were assigned by Moses before he died, Deuteronomy 4:41 . They were not, however, properly speaking, invested with the privilege till now, when they were ap…
wesleyJoshua 20:8: "And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh."
20:8 They assigned - Or, had assigned or given; for they were given by Moses, Deut 4:41, and c. or, they applied them to that use to which Moses designed them.
These cities on the eastern side of the Jordan weren't newly appointed but were assigned or applied to their purpose now, fulfilling Moses' earlier decree. This highlights that God's provision for refuge was established from the beginning of their inheritance, not an afterthought, and was ready to serve as soon as it was needed.
This passage concludes the appointment of the six cities of refuge, detailing the three cities located east of the Jordan River. These cities, designated for those who had unintentionally killed someone, were chosen from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This act fulfills a long-standing command given by Moses, ensuring that anyone fleeing accidental manslaughter could find safety and not face immediate retribution from the victim's avenger.
This passage concludes the appointment of the six cities of refuge, detailing the three cities located east of the Jordan River. These cities, designated for those who had unintentionally killed someone, were chosen from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This act fulfills a long-standing command given by Moses, ensuring that anyone fleeing accidental manslaughter could find safety and not face immediate retribution from the victim's avenger.
"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." — These cities on the eastern side of the Jordan weren't newly appointed but were assigned or applied to their purpose now, fulfilling Moses' earlier decree. This highlights that God's provision fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026