Chapter 20
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,
2Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
3That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
4And 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.
5And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
6And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
7And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
8And 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.
9These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.
“These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.”
Overview
God commands Joshua to establish six cities of refuge — three on each side of the Jordan — where anyone who kills a person accidentally may flee for protection from the avenger of blood. The manslayer must present his case to the elders at the city gate and remain there until the death of the high priest, after which he may return home. The six cities are designated: Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan.
Key Themes
God's Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge balance justice and mercy — they protect the innocent from vengeful death while upholding the seriousness of human life.
Accessible Refuge
The cities are strategically placed throughout the land so that refuge is always within reach, reflecting God's desire that salvation be accessible to all.
The Death of the High Priest
The manslayer's release upon the death of the high priest introduces a profound principle: freedom comes through the death of a priestly representative.
Study Questions
Why does God establish cities of refuge, and what do they reveal about His character?
What is the significance of the manslayer being released upon the death of the high priest (v. 6)?
How does the accessibility of the cities of refuge — spread across the land — reflect God's heart for all people?
What does the distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing teach about justice?
How do the cities of refuge illustrate the gospel principle that there is a place of safety for those who flee to God?
Connection to Christ
The cities of refuge are a powerful type of Christ. As the manslayer fled to the city for protection from death, so sinners flee to Christ for refuge from the wrath to come (Hebrews 6:18). Most remarkably, freedom comes through the death of the high priest — pointing directly to Christ, our great High Priest, whose death sets us free from the penalty of sin forever.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Joshua 20. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?