Joshua 20:1

KJV

¶ The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Joshua,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed and extensive accounts of the tribal land allotments in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Tribal Land Allotments"). Having completed the primary tasks of conquest and the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes, the narrative shifts from military and territorial concerns to the establishment of the legal and social infrastructure necessary for a just and orderly society. The direct divine address to Joshua here signals a new phase of instruction, moving from the physical settlement to the ethical and judicial governance of the nation. It sets the stage for the implementation of crucial laws previously given through Moses, specifically concerning the Cities of Refuge, which are detailed in the subsequent verses of [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Israel had transitioned from a nomadic people to a settled nation in Canaan. This transition necessitated the establishment of clear legal frameworks to maintain social order and prevent anarchy. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the concept of "blood vengeance" (the right of a victim's family to exact retribution for a death) was prevalent. While intended to deter crime, it often led to cycles of violence and injustice, especially in cases of accidental death. The divine institution of the Cities of Refuge, introduced in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Justice and War"), provided a unique legal innovation by distinguishing between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter, offering a sanctuary for the latter and ensuring a fair trial. Joshua 20:1 initiates the practical implementation of this vital system in the newly acquired territory, demonstrating God's concern for a just and equitable society.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse powerfully highlights several overarching themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's continuous and active involvement in the affairs of His people, even after major milestones like the conquest and land division. His direct communication with Joshua emphasizes that the nation's governance and well-being remain under His meticulous guidance, as seen throughout the narrative of [Joshua](/joshua "The Book of Joshua"). Secondly, it signals **God's Concern for Justice and Social Order**. By immediately preceding the detailed instructions for the Cities of Refuge, the verse prepares the reader for a system designed to protect the vulnerable and ensure fair judgment, reflecting God's righteous character and His desire for a stable, equitable society in the land He provided. Finally, it points to the **Fulfillment of Mosaic Law**, as this command is not new but the practical execution of divine mandates originally given through Moses (e.g., [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1-13 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws on Cities of Refuge")). Joshua's role is to ensure these foundational laws are established and upheld in the Promised Land, demonstrating Israel's faithfulness to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God (H3068), emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature and His personal, faithful relationship with Israel. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here underscores the divine authority and covenantal significance of the subsequent commands regarding the Cities of Refuge, indicating that these are not mere human decrees but emanate from the God who keeps His promises and actively governs His people.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) denotes a direct, authoritative, and declarative utterance. It implies a specific, intentional word from God that carries the weight of a command or instruction, demanding obedience and action. Its use highlights the imperative nature of the upcoming laws and the direct communication channel between God and Joshua, signifying a divine mandate rather than a general communication.
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** This name (H3091), meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "the LORD saves," identifies the specific recipient of God's direct communication. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's address to the leader of Israel, delegating authority and responsibility for the implementation of these critical laws. This reinforces Joshua's divinely appointed role as Moses' successor and the executor of God's will for the nation, particularly in establishing justice and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The LORD also":** This opening phrase, marked by the KJV paragraph symbol, immediately establishes the divine source and ultimate authority of the instructions that follow. The inclusion of "also" (Hebrew: *gam*) subtly yet significantly implies a continuation of God's active involvement in Israel's affairs, indicating that His guidance did not cease with the land distribution but extends to the practicalities of governance, justice, and societal well-being.
* **"spake unto Joshua,":** This clause highlights the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of the communication from God to Israel's leader. It signifies a specific divine mandate given to Joshua, entrusting him with the crucial responsibility to implement these vital laws. This direct address underscores Joshua's unique and divinely appointed role as God's chosen instrument for guiding the nation in its new settled existence.
* **"saying":** This simple participle serves as a transition, indicating that what follows is the direct content of God's verbal command. It prepares the reader for the specific, detailed instructions regarding the Cities of Refuge that will be elaborated upon in the subsequent verses, reinforcing the imperative and binding nature of the divine word.

#### 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.

* [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9-15 "Numbers 35:9-15 - Command to Establish Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1-13 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge")
* [Exodus 21:12-14](/exodus/21-12-14 "Exodus 21:12-14 - Laws on Homicide and Asylum")

### 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
* **How does God's direct communication to Joshua in this verse inform our understanding of divine guidance in leadership today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, reflect God's concern for justice and mercy in our own spheres of influence?**
* **What "refuges" or systems of protection does God call us to establish or uphold in our modern contexts for the vulnerable or those in need of fair judgment?**

### 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](/joshua/20-2 "Joshua 20:2 - Command to Appoint Cities of Refuge") 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](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - Tribal Land Allotments"). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full penalty for our transgressions, becoming our [atoning sacrifice](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation"). He is the [true and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New 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](/numbers/35-28 "Numbers 35:28 - Death of High Priest Releases Manslayer")), Christ's refuge is eternal and complete, offering [freedom from condemnation](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ") and [reconciliation with God](/2-corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - Ministry of Reconciliation"). He is our [sure and steadfast anchor for the soul](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul"), the ultimate sanctuary where divine justice and infinite mercy perfectly converge for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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?