Joshua 20:2

KJV

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Appoint out {H5414} for you cities {H5892} of refuge {H4733}, whereof I spake {H1696} unto you by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'Select the cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moshe;

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,

American Standard Version

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by Moses,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 20:2 initiates a crucial command from God to the Israelites, delivered through Joshua, concerning the establishment of the cities of refuge. This verse marks the practical implementation of a divine law previously given, emphasizing God's foresight in providing both justice and mercy within the Mosaic covenant as the Israelites settled in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 20 follows the detailed descriptions of the tribal land allotments in chapters 13-19. Before settling into their respective territories, the Israelites are commanded to implement a crucial aspect of the Mosaic Law. This chapter specifically deals with the designation of the cities of refuge, a provision for unintentional homicide, which was initially commanded by God through Moses in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. The immediate context of Joshua 20:2 is the divine instruction to Joshua to initiate this process, ensuring that the legal and moral framework of the covenant was established alongside the physical occupation of the land. This act underscores the priority of divine law in the newly formed nation, even amidst the practicalities of settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies often practiced blood vengeance, where a relative of a murdered person had the right and duty to kill the perpetrator. While this system provided a form of justice, it could also lead to cycles of retaliatory violence and unjust killings if intent was not properly distinguished. The Israelite cities of refuge, therefore, represented a unique and progressive legal innovation, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental death. This system provided a sanctuary for the unintentional killer, allowing for a fair trial before the community elders and protecting them from the "blood avenger" (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_). The establishment of these cities across the land (three on each side of the Jordan) ensured accessibility for all tribes, reflecting a practical concern for justice and order as the Israelites transitioned from nomadic life to settled agricultural communities.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Justice and Mercy:** The cities of refuge perfectly illustrate God's attribute of balancing strict justice with profound mercy. While human life is sacred and its taking, even accidentally, has consequences, God's law provides a pathway for protection and due process, mitigating the harshness of immediate retribution. This system reflects a divine compassion that distinguishes between intent and accident, offering a sanctuary for the innocent.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Law:** Joshua 20:2 explicitly states that this command was given "by the hand of Moses," emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant instructions. The establishment of these cities fulfills earlier directives found in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Laws Regarding Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge"). This demonstrates the Israelites' obedience to God's statutes as they established their society in the Promised Land, reinforcing the binding nature of the Mosaic covenant.
* **Protection for the Vulnerable:** The primary purpose of these cities was to provide a safe haven for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. This provision ensured that individuals were not subject to immediate, potentially unjust, retribution from a blood avenger but could instead receive a fair hearing before the congregation. This system underscored the importance of due process and the protection of life within the community, even for those who had caused death unintentionally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _miqlat'_):** This noun, derived from the verb _qalat_ (to gather, receive, take in), specifically denotes a "place of asylum," "shelter," or "sanctuary." In the context of the cities of refuge, _miqlat_ encapsulates the protective function of these designated urban centers, offering a secure haven from immediate danger for the unintentional killer until their case could be heard and judged properly by the community elders. It signifies a place of safety and reception, distinct from places of punishment.
* **By the hand of Moses (Hebrew, _b'yad Moshe'_):** This idiomatic phrase signifies "through the agency of Moses" or "by means of Moses." It underscores the divine origin and authoritative transmission of the command. It is not merely a human decree but a direct instruction from God, delivered through His chosen mediator, Moses. This phrase connects the present command in Joshua to the foundational laws given at Sinai and in the wilderness, emphasizing the continuity and unchanging nature of God's covenant requirements as the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak to the children of Israel, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority behind the command. Joshua is acting as God's messenger, relaying a direct instruction to the entire Israelite community. It emphasizes the communal responsibility in establishing and upholding this crucial legal provision.
* **"Appoint out for you cities of refuge,"**: This is the core command. The verb "appoint out" (from Hebrew _nathan_, "to give, set, place") indicates a deliberate and formal designation. The Israelites are not merely to acknowledge the concept but to actively establish specific urban centers for this purpose. This highlights the practical implementation of divine law within their newly acquired territory, ensuring that the legal framework for justice and mercy is physically established.
* **"whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:"**: This concluding clause serves as a powerful reminder of the continuity of God's covenant instructions. It explicitly links this present command in Joshua to previous divine directives given through Moses, particularly in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. This reinforces the unchanging nature of God's law and the Israelites' ongoing obligation to obey statutes that predate their entry into Canaan, demonstrating the faithfulness of God to His word and the responsibility of His people to fulfill it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Divine Command**, directly relaying God's instruction through Joshua to the Israelites, emphasizing the authoritative nature of the law. The phrase "whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses" serves as a powerful instance of **Fulfillment and Continuity**, connecting the present action in Joshua to the foundational Mosaic Law. This **Repetition** of a previously given command (from Numbers and Deuteronomy) reinforces its importance and highlights the fidelity of God's plan and the Israelites' obligation to uphold it. Furthermore, the very concept of "cities of refuge" is a form of **Legal Provision**, codifying a unique system of justice that balances retribution with due process, a progressive legal concept for its time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The establishment of the cities of refuge in Joshua 20:2 is a profound demonstration of God's character, revealing His commitment to both justice and mercy within the framework of His covenant with Israel. This divine provision mitigated the potential for unchecked blood vengeance, ensuring that accidental death was distinguished from premeditated murder, thereby upholding the sanctity of life while also offering a pathway for protection and fair trial. It illustrates God's meticulous care for the social order and moral fabric of His people, providing a legal mechanism that was both practical and deeply theological. This system foreshadowed a greater spiritual refuge, pointing to God's ultimate provision for humanity's sin and need for sanctuary.

* [Numbers 35:11](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11 - Command for Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:2](/deuteronomy/19-2 "Deuteronomy 19:2 - Establishing Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 20:2, in its command to establish cities of refuge, speaks volumes about the nature of divine justice and mercy, offering timeless principles for our lives today. It challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and communities, navigate situations where harm is caused, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The emphasis on due process and the provision of sanctuary reminds us of the importance of fair systems, compassionate judgment, and the avoidance of hasty retaliation. In a world often quick to condemn and slow to forgive, this passage calls us to cultivate environments of safety and grace, where those who err (especially unintentionally) can find protection and a path to reconciliation, rather than immediate, destructive retribution. It encourages us to embody God's balanced character, seeking both truth and compassion in our interactions and societal structures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "cities of refuge" challenge our modern understanding of justice, particularly regarding intent versus outcome?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, create "spaces of refuge" or "sanctuary" in our communities for those who are vulnerable, have made mistakes, or are facing unjust condemnation?**
* **How does God's provision of cities of refuge reveal His character, and how should this understanding shape our own responses to others' failings?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the cities of refuge?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the cities of refuge was to provide a legal and physical sanctuary for individuals who had committed unintentional homicide. This system distinguished between premeditated murder, which was punishable by death, and accidental death, offering protection from the "blood avenger" (a relative of the deceased with the right to exact retribution) until a fair trial could be held before the elders of the community. This ensured due process and prevented cycles of retaliatory violence, reflecting God's balance of justice and mercy as outlined in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Laws Regarding Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge").

**How many cities of refuge were there, and where were they located?**

Answer: There were a total of six cities of refuge appointed by God. Three were located on the east side of the Jordan River: Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead (Gad), and Golan in Bashan (Manasseh). The other three were on the west side of the Jordan River: Kedesh in Naphtali, Shechem in Ephraim, and Hebron in Judah. This strategic distribution, as commanded in [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-8 - The Designated Cities of Refuge"), ensured that a city of refuge was readily accessible from any part of the land of Israel, emphasizing the practicality and fairness of God's provision for all tribes.

**Did the cities of refuge offer permanent asylum?**

Answer: No, the cities of refuge did not offer permanent asylum. While they provided immediate protection from the blood avenger, the unintentional killer was required to remain within the city until the death of the reigning high priest. After the high priest's death, they were permitted to return to their own property and family ([Numbers 35:25-28](/numbers/35-25 "Numbers 35:25-28 - Return from City of Refuge")). This condition served as a significant consequence for taking a life, even accidentally, and underscored the sanctity of life while also providing a pathway for eventual restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cities of refuge, as commanded in [Joshua 20:2](/joshua/20-2 "Joshua 20:2 - Command to Appoint Cities of Refuge"), serve as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a designated city for protection from the avenger of blood, so too do those who are spiritually dead in sin find their only true sanctuary in Christ. We are all, in a sense, "unintentional" slayers, born into a world marred by sin, inheriting a fallen nature that leads to spiritual death ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). The law, like the avenger, justly condemns us ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). However, Jesus, our great High Priest, offers Himself as our ultimate refuge and propitiation. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and provides a secure dwelling place for all who flee to Him in faith. Unlike the temporary refuge of the ancient cities, whose protection lasted only until the death of the high priest, Christ's sanctuary is eternal, secured by His resurrection and everlasting priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true "city of refuge" to which we can run, finding not just temporary safety but eternal forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life, forever safe from the just wrath of God.

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

Deuteronomy 19:2

Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

Deuteronomy 19:13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Deuteronomy 4:41

¶ Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Numbers 35:11

Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

Numbers 35:24

Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:

Numbers 35:6

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites [there shall be] six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.