Joshua 20:2

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

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}:

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

โ€œTell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,

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

Commentary

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

Before the Israelites entered Canaan, God had commanded Moses to designate specific six cities of refuge (Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19). These cities were a unique provision in ancient Israelite law designed to protect individuals who had accidentally caused a death (unintentional homicide) from the "blood avenger" (goel haddam), a relative of the deceased who had the legal right and social obligation to exact retribution. Joshua 20:2 explicitly highlights that this directive was "by the hand of Moses," underscoring the continuity of God's covenant instructions from the wilderness wanderings into the settled land of Canaan. The establishment of these cities was vital for maintaining order, preventing cycles of retaliatory violence, and ensuring fair process in the newly acquired territory.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The cities of refuge exemplify God's perfect balance between strict justice and profound mercy. While a life was taken, the law clearly distinguished between premeditated murder (punishable by death) and accidental death, offering a sanctuary for the latter. This system mitigated the harshness of ancient customs of blood vengeance.
  • Fulfillment of Covenant Law: This command is a direct fulfillment of previous instructions given to Moses (e.g., Numbers 35:11, Deuteronomy 19:2-7). It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word and the Israelites' responsibility to obey His statutes as they established their society in the land.
  • Protection for the Innocent: The primary purpose was to provide a safe haven for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them a fair trial before the congregation and protection from immediate, potentially unjust, retribution.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "cities of refuge" is ืขึธืจึตื™ ืžึดืงึฐืœึธื˜ (โ€˜arei miqlat), where miqlat means "a place of refuge," "asylum," or "shelter." This term perfectly encapsulates the protective and sanctuary nature 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.

Significance and Application

The concept of the cities of refuge carries profound spiritual and practical lessons:

  • Rule of Law and Due Process: The establishment of these cities underscores the importance of a structured legal system, even in ancient times, that differentiates between intent and accident. It prevented anarchy and promoted a society governed by divine principles, emphasizing the need for due process rather than immediate, often emotional, retaliation.
  • God as Our Ultimate Refuge: The idea of a "city of refuge" finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in God Himself. Just as the ancient Israelite could flee to a designated city for physical safety, believers today find ultimate refuge and protection in God, especially from spiritual death and the consequences of sin through faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 6:18). Christ is our ultimate sanctuary, offering forgiveness, mercy, and new life.
  • Mercy in Justice: This system reminds us that true justice is not merely punitive but also merciful, acknowledging human fallibility and providing pathways for redemption and reconciliation where possible. It teaches us the importance of extending grace and understanding in our interactions, even in difficult circumstances.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
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