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Commentary on Joshua 20 verses 1–6
Many things were by the law of Moses ordered to be done when they came to Canaan and this among the rest, the appointing of sanctuaries for the protecting of those that were guilty of casual murder, which was a privilege to all Israel, since no man could be sure but some time or other it might be his own case; and it was for the interest of the land that the blood of an innocent person, whose hand only was guilty but not his heart, should not be shed, no, not by the avenger of blood: of this law, which was so much for their advantage, God here reminds them, that they might remind themselves of the other laws he had given them, which concerned his honour. 1. Orders are given for the appointing of these cities (Jos 20:2), and very seasonably at this time when the land was newly surveyed, and so they were the better able to divide the coasts of it into three parts, as God had directed them, in order to the more convenient situation of these cities of refuge, Deu 19:3. Yet it is probable that it was not done till after the Levites had their portion assigned them in the next chapter, because the cities of refuge were all to be Levites' cities. As soon as ever God had given them cities of rest, he bade them appoint cities of refuge, to which none of them knew but they might be glad to escape. Thus God provided, not only for their ease at all times, but for their safety in times of danger, and such times we must expect and prepare for in this world. And it intimates what God's spiritual Israel have and shall have, in Christ and heaven, not only rest to repose themselves in, but refuge to secure themselves in. And we cannot think these cities of refuge would have been so often and so much spoken of in the law of Moses, and have had so much care taken about them (when the intention of them might have been effectually answered, as it is in our law, by authorizing the courts of judgment to protect and acquit the manslayer in all those cases wherein he was to have privilege of sanctuary), if they were not designed to typify the relief which the gospel provides for poor penitent sinners, and their protection from the curse of the law and the wrath of God, in our Lord Jesus, to whom believers flee for refuge (Heb 6:18), and in whom they are found (Phi 3:9) as in a sanctuary, where they are privileged from arrests, and there is now no condemnation to them, Rom 8:1. 2. Instructions are given for the using of these cities. The laws in this matter we had before, Num 35:10, etc., where they were opened at large. (1.) It is supposed that a man might possibly kill a person, it might be his own child or dearest friend, unawares and unwittingly (Jos 20:3), not only whom he hated not, but whom he truly loved beforetime (Jos 20:5); for the way of man is not in himself. What reason have we to thank God who has kept us both from slaying and from being slain by accident! In this case, it is supposed that the relations of the person slain would demand the life of the slayer, as a satisfaction to that ancient law that whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. (2.) It is provided that if upon trial it appeared that the murder was done purely by accident, and not by design, either upon an old grudge or a sudden passion, then the slayer should be sheltered from the avenger of blood in any one of these cities, Jos 20:4-6. By this law he was entitled to a dwelling in that city, was taken into the care of the government of it, but was confined to it, as prisoner at large; only, if he survived the high priest, then, and not till then, he might return to his own city. And the Jews say, "If he died before the high priest in the city of his refuge and exile, and was buried there, yet, at the death of the high priest, his bones should be removed with respect to the place of his fathers' sepulchres."
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SUMMARY
Joshua 20:1 serves as a pivotal divine pronouncement, marking the direct intervention of Yahweh to initiate the establishment of the Cities of Refuge. Following the extensive land distribution among the tribes, this command underscores God's continued meticulous involvement in the practical governance and social justice of the newly settled Israel, ensuring the implementation of Mosaic law regarding unintentional homicide and providing a framework for mercy within their legal system.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 20:1, though concise, employs several significant literary devices that amplify its importance. It functions primarily as a Divine Address, immediately establishing the ultimate authority behind the subsequent commands. The phrase "The LORD also spake unto Joshua" serves as a powerful theological marker, signaling that the following instructions are not human decrees but divine mandates, lending them absolute weight and importance. This verse also serves as a crucial Transitional Marker, effectively shifting the narrative focus from the completion of the land distribution (chapters 13-19) to the establishment of legal and social structures essential for Israel's life in the land. The "also" (Hebrew: gam) subtly connects this new phase of divine instruction to the preceding acts of God in conquest and allocation. Furthermore, it acts as a form of Foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the detailed discussion of the Cities of Refuge that immediately follows. By announcing God's direct speech, the verse builds anticipation and emphasizes the profound significance of the forthcoming legal provisions for justice and order within the newly settled land.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reinforces the biblical theme of God's active and continuous sovereignty over His people, not only in grand acts of deliverance and conquest but also in the meticulous details of their societal structure and legal system. It demonstrates that true justice and order in a nation are not merely human constructs but are divinely ordained, rooted in God's righteous character. The establishment of the Cities of Refuge, initiated by this verse, illustrates God's mercy and justice working in tandem – providing protection for the innocent while ensuring accountability for the guilty. This divine concern for equity and the protection of life is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the need for righteous governance that reflects the divine nature.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 20:1, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder of God's ongoing engagement with humanity, not just in the grand narratives of salvation history but also in the practicalities of daily life and societal governance. It challenges us to recognize that true flourishing, whether for an individual or a community, is found in aligning with divine principles of justice, mercy, and order. Just as God meticulously guided Israel in establishing a system of refuge and fair judgment, He continues to provide wisdom for navigating complex ethical dilemmas and building equitable societies today. This verse calls us to seek God's guidance in our leadership roles, in our communities, and in our personal lives, trusting that His word provides the ultimate framework for righteousness and well-being. It underscores that even after significant achievements, God's detailed instructions are essential for maintaining spiritual and social health, reminding us that His involvement is comprehensive and continuous.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this verse so short, yet considered significant?
Answer: While concise, Joshua 20:1 is profoundly significant because it marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of Joshua and underscores the divine origin of the subsequent laws. It explicitly states that the instructions regarding the Cities of Refuge come directly from "The LORD" (Yahweh) to Joshua, lending absolute authority and covenantal weight to what follows. This brief introduction emphasizes God's continued, active involvement in establishing justice and order in the newly settled land, demonstrating that the implementation of Mosaic law is a divine imperative, not merely a human administrative decision. It sets the tone for the profound theological and practical implications of the Cities of Refuge, which are detailed from Joshua 20:2 onwards, highlighting God's meticulous care for His people's well-being.
What is the significance of "The LORD also spake"?
Answer: The phrase "The LORD also spake" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, "The LORD" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh) signifies the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness, sovereignty, and absolute authority. Secondly, "spake" (Hebrew: dâbar) denotes a direct, authoritative, and often declarative utterance, indicating that these are not suggestions but divine commands that require immediate action. Thirdly, the inclusion of "also" (Hebrew: gam) subtly connects this new set of instructions to God's previous guidance, particularly concerning the land distribution in Joshua 13-19. It highlights God's continuous and comprehensive involvement in every aspect of Israel's life, from conquest and settlement to the establishment of legal and social order, ensuring the nation's well-being and adherence to His covenant.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 20:1, by initiating the establishment of the Cities of Refuge, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the cities provided a sanctuary for those who unintentionally shed blood, protecting them from the avenger of blood until a fair trial, Christ offers a spiritual refuge for all who, by nature, are guilty of sin, yet seek His mercy. The Old Testament avenger of blood finds its ultimate spiritual parallel in the righteous judgment against sin, but Christ, as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, bore the full penalty for our transgressions, becoming our atoning sacrifice. He is the true and living way to the Father, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who flee to Him in faith. Unlike the physical cities, which required the manslayer to remain within their boundaries until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:28), Christ's refuge is eternal and complete, offering freedom from condemnation and reconciliation with God. He is our sure and steadfast anchor for the soul, the ultimate sanctuary where divine justice and infinite mercy perfectly converge for all who believe.