Joshua 20:1

¶ The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,

The LORD {H3068} also spake {H1696} unto Joshua {H3091}, saying {H559},

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua,

Then the LORD said to Joshua,

And Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

Commentary

Joshua 20:1 serves as a brief but crucial introductory statement, setting the stage for significant divine instructions regarding the establishment of the Cities of Refuge in the land of Canaan.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed accounts of Israel's tribal land allotments in chapters 13-19 of the Book of Joshua. With the land now largely conquered and divided among the twelve tribes, the focus shifts to establishing the legal and social infrastructure necessary for a just society. God's direct address to Joshua in this verse signals the beginning of specific commands that implement laws previously given through Moses, particularly concerning provisions for unintentional manslaughter. It underscores that even after the major task of conquest and division, God continues to provide detailed guidance for the nation's well-being and governance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Communication: The phrase "The LORD also spake unto Joshua" highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. It demonstrates His continued direct communication with His chosen leader, providing ongoing guidance and instruction for the newly settled nation. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His personal care for Israel's legal and social order.
  • Preparation for Justice and Order: Although the specific instructions follow in subsequent verses (see Joshua 20:2), this introductory statement foreshadows God's concern for justice within the land. It prepares the reader for the establishment of a system designed to protect the innocent from blood vengeance and ensure fair judgment, a concept crucial for the stability of a new society.
  • Fulfillment of Previous Commands: This divine directive is not a new concept but an implementation of laws originally commanded by God through Moses in the wilderness, specifically regarding the Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35:6; Deuteronomy 19:2). Joshua's role is to ensure these divine mandates are established in the promised land.

Linguistic Insights

The name "The LORD" (Hebrew: Yahweh) consistently refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His faithful and personal relationship with Israel. The word "spake" (Hebrew: dabar) denotes a direct, authoritative, and often declarative utterance, signifying that these are not suggestions but divine commands to be obeyed.

Practical Application

Joshua 20:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives and societies. Just as He guided Joshua in establishing a just system for Israel, He provides principles for order and fairness in our communities today. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and heeding divine guidance for leadership and governance, ensuring that our actions and systems reflect His character of justice and mercy. This verse also highlights God's continuous care for His people, providing protection and a framework for living righteously, even after major milestones have been achieved.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 13:1

    ¶ Now Joshua was old [and] stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old [and] stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.

  • Joshua 13:7

    ¶ Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

  • Joshua 7:10

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?

  • Joshua 6:2

    And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, [and] the mighty men of valour.

  • Joshua 5:14

    And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
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