You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is the intentional balance: three cities on each side of the Jordan River. This wasn't just about geographical distribution; it ensured that the refuge was equally accessible whether you lived in the land already settled by the tribes east of the Jordan or in the territory of Canaan, the promised land yet to be fully conquered.
You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of God's detailed instructions for establishing cities of refuge, a place of safety for those who unintentionally caused someone's death. Following discussions about Levitical cities and the laws surrounding accidental killing, God mandates a total of six such cities—three east of the Jordan River and three in the promised land of Canaan—to ensure accessibility for all Israelites. This provision is framed within the larger context of maintaining the land's purity by providing a just system that distinguishes between accidental and intentional killing.
Why did God command cities of refuge to be established on both sides of the Jordan River? It wasn't just a practical decision, but a profound statement about His care for all His people.
God's command for six cities of refuge – three on the east of the Jordan and three in Canaan – reveals His intentional design for accessibility and fairness.
Strategic Placement
This distribution wasn't random. The cities were strategically located so that anyone fleeing from accidental manslaughter could reach a refuge within a reasonable distance, no matter where they lived in the Promised Land. This shows God's concern for the vulnerable, ensuring that justice and protection were within reach.
Unity in Division
Even though the land was divided by the Jordan River, with some tribes settling on the east bank, God ensured that His provision for refuge spanned the entire territory. This symbolized a unified approach to justice and mercy for all Israelites, regardless of their tribal affiliation or location.
These ancient cities of refuge weren't just about physical safety; they pointed forward to a greater reality. What ultimate refuge does God provide?
The cities of refuge served as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our ultimate refuge.
Temporary Safety, Eternal Hope
Ask a follow-up
The physical cities offered temporary safety from the avenger of blood, but only until the death of the high priest. This points to the limitations of human systems of justice and protection. In contrast, Jesus offers eternal salvation and refuge from the wrath of God, a safety that is permanent and not dependent on changing circumstances.
The High Priest's Role
The death of the high priest marked the end of the exile for the manslayer. This prefigures how Jesus, our great High Priest, through His own sacrificial death, has made a way for us to be fully restored and reconciled to God, free from condemnation.
Escaping Judgment
Just as the manslayer had to flee to the city for safety, we too must flee to Christ for refuge from the judgment due to our sins. He is the only place where we can find true safety and forgiveness.
The establishment of six cities of refuge, three east and three west of the Jordan River, highlights God's desire to balance justice with mercy in a land that was experiencing significant conflict and settlement.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following decades of wandering in the desert, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, begin their military campaign to conquer and occupy the land of Canaan. This period marks the transition from nomadic life to settled existence.
c. 1380 BC
Division of Land Among Tribes
After the initial conquest, the land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites, who had no tribal inheritance, are assigned specific cities scattered throughout the other tribes' territories.
c. 1380 BC
Moses Appoints Cities East of Jordan
Prior to the full division of the land, Moses sets aside three cities east of the Jordan River—Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan—as cities of refuge for those who commit accidental manslaughter. This provision is made for the tribes who had already settled in this territory.
c. 1370 BC— this verse
Joshua Appoints Cities West of Jordan
After the land is distributed, Joshua designates three additional cities west of the Jordan River—Kadesh, Shechem, and Hebron—as cities of refuge, completing the total of six. These cities are strategically located to be accessible to all Israelites.
Ongoing during the period of the Judges
Enforcement of Refuge Laws
Throughout the subsequent period of the Judges, the system of cities of refuge is intended to function, providing sanctuary for those who accidentally caused death, while still allowing for justice in cases of intentional murder.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Under Saul, David, Solomon
The establishment of a unified kingdom under kings like David and Solomon brings a more centralized legal and judicial system, influencing how the laws, including those concerning cities of refuge, are understood and applied.
This passage describes the actual implementation of the cities of refuge, naming the specific cities appointed by Joshua that were originally designated by Moses in Numbers 35.
Deuteronomy 19:1-13This passage provides the laws and rationale behind the cities of refuge, emphasizing their purpose in protecting the unintentional manslayer and preventing the land from being defiled by bloodshed.
Hebrews 6:13-20This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the Old Testament cities of refuge and the hope believers have in Christ, referring to Jesus as a 'refuge of hope' and an anchor for the soul.
1 Corinthians 1:30This verse highlights Jesus Christ as our righteousness, wisdom, and redemption, echoing the concept of finding ultimate refuge and safety in Him from the penalty of sin.
wesleyNumbers 35:14: "Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge."
35:14 On this side Jordan - Because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad, and besides these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan.
gillNumbers 35:14: "Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge."
Ye shall give three cites on this side Jordan,.... Which were Bezer in the wilderness, 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 , and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan: which were Kadesh in Galilee, in Mount Naphtali; Shechem in Mount…
What's striking here is the intentional balance: three cities on each side of the Jordan River. This wasn't just about geographical distribution; it ensured that the refuge was equally accessible whether you lived in the land already settled by the tribes east of the Jordan or in the territory of Canaan, the promised land yet to be fully conquered.
This passage is part of God's detailed instructions for establishing cities of refuge, a place of safety for those who unintentionally caused someone's death. Following discussions about Levitical cities and the laws surrounding accidental killing, God mandates a total of six such cities—three east of the Jordan River and three in the promised land of Canaan—to ensure accessibility for all Israelites. This provision is framed within the larger context of maintaining the land's purity by providing a just system that distinguishes between accidental and intentional killing.
This passage is part of God's detailed instructions for establishing cities of refuge, a place of safety for those who unintentionally caused someone's death. Following discussions about Levitical cities and the laws surrounding accidental killing, God mandates a total of six such cities—three east of the Jordan River and three in the promised land of Canaan—to ensure accessibility for all Israelites. This provision is framed within the larger context of maintaining the land's purity by providing a just system that distinguishes between accidental and intentional killing.
"You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities in the land of Canaan, to be cities of refuge." — What's striking here is the intentional balance: three cities on each side of the Jordan River. This wasn't just about geographical distribution; it ensured that the refuge was equally accessible whe…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026