Joshua 20:8

KJV

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} by Jericho {H3405} eastward {H4217}, they assigned {H5414} Bezer {H1221} in the wilderness {H4057} upon the plain {H4334} out of the tribe {H4294} of Reuben {H7205}, and Ramoth {H7216} in Gilead {H1568} out of the tribe {H4294} of Gad {H1410}, and Golan {H1474} in Bashan {H1316} out of the tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Beyond the Yarden east of Yericho they selected Betzer in the desert, on the plateau, out of the tribe of Re'uven; Ramot in Gil'ad out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of M'nasheh.

Berean Standard Bible

And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh.

American Standard Version

And beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 20:8 meticulously records the final designation of the three Cities of Refuge located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, fulfilling God's ancient command to Moses. This verse specifies Bezer in the tribal territory of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead for Gad, and Golan in Bashan for Manasseh, completing the geographical distribution of these crucial sanctuaries designed to provide a just and merciful haven for those who had committed unintentional manslaughter, preventing blood vengeance and ensuring due process within Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 20:8 is situated within the latter part of the book of Joshua, following the successful conquest of Canaan and the detailed allocation of land among the Israelite tribes (Joshua 13-19). Chapter 20 specifically details the establishment of the Cities of Refuge, a critical administrative and legal provision mandated by God. Verse 8 completes the list of these cities, specifically naming the three located "on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward," complementing the three cities designated on the western side of the Jordan in [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Western Cities of Refuge"). This act underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands and the establishment of a just legal system as the Israelites transition from nomadic conquest to settled life in the Promised Land. The subsequent chapter, [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), details the provision of cities for the Levites, further demonstrating the orderly and comprehensive establishment of Israel's societal and religious infrastructure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of Cities of Refuge was a unique divine provision in ancient Israel, designed to mitigate the practice of blood vengeance prevalent in the ancient Near East. In many cultures, the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_) had the right and duty to kill anyone who had caused the death of a family member, regardless of intent. God's law, given through Moses (e.g., [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Law of the Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Instructions for Cities of Refuge")), introduced a crucial distinction between intentional murder and accidental killing. The Cities of Refuge provided a safe haven for the unintentional slayer, protecting them from immediate retribution until a fair trial could be held at the city gate. If found innocent of premeditated murder, the individual was required to remain within the city until the death of the current high priest, after which they could return to their inheritance. The strategic placement of these six cities (three on each side of the Jordan) ensured accessibility for all Israelites, emphasizing that justice and mercy were available throughout the land.
* **Key Themes:** The establishment of the Cities of Refuge, as detailed in [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - The Cities of Refuge"), powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's balanced character that upholds the sanctity of human life (requiring accountability for death) while simultaneously providing a merciful provision to prevent unchecked vengeance and ensure due process. Secondly, it underscores **Order and Administration** within the nascent Israelite nation. The precise designation and strategic placement of these cities, both on the east and west sides of the Jordan, reflect God's desire for an orderly society governed by His laws, meticulously implemented by Joshua and the tribal leaders. Thirdly, this act signifies the **Fulfillment of God's Word**. The establishment of these cities was a direct command given centuries earlier to Moses, and their designation by Joshua demonstrates the faithfulness of the Israelites in carrying out divine instructions, reinforcing the covenant relationship. Finally, the theme of **Accessibility** is paramount; the strategic locations ensured that these sanctuaries were within reasonable reach for all inhabitants, emphasizing that divine protection and legal recourse were available to anyone in need across the breadth of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezer (Hebrew, _betser_):** This name means "gold ore" or "fortress." Its designation as a City of Refuge suggests its potential strength or strategic importance as a place of protection. It was located in the wilderness upon the plain, indicating its accessibility within the tribal territory of Reuben.
* **Ramoth (Hebrew, _ramoth_):** Meaning "heights," Ramoth in Gilead was known for its elevated position. The name itself implies a place of prominence or a high vantage point. Its inclusion underscores the strategic distribution of the cities across varied terrains to ensure widespread accessibility.
* **Golan (Hebrew, _golan_):** The etymology of Golan is debated, possibly meaning "circuit" or "exile." Located in Bashan, a fertile and productive region, Golan's role as a City of Refuge would have made it a significant point of reference and sanctuary in the northern Transjordan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward":** This phrase precisely locates the geographical area where these three cities are situated. "The other side Jordan" refers to the eastern bank, distinguishing them from the cities on the western side (Canaan proper). "By Jericho eastward" provides a specific reference point, indicating the general vicinity from which these eastern territories extended. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the allocation, covering both major divisions of the land.
* **"they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben":** This clause identifies the first of the three eastern Cities of Refuge. "They assigned" (KJV: "they appointed") refers to the leaders of Israel, primarily Joshua and Eleazar, acting under divine instruction. Bezer, located in the wilderness plain, was allocated to the tribe of Reuben, whose inheritance lay in the southern part of the Transjordan. This placement ensured a refuge for the southernmost tribes east of the Jordan.
* **"and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad":** The second city named is Ramoth, situated in the region of Gilead. This city was designated for the tribe of Gad, whose territory was north of Reuben's, in the central part of the Transjordan. Ramoth's location provided a central refuge for the tribes in that region, especially Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
* **"and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh":** The final city listed for the eastern side is Golan, located in the fertile region of Bashan. This city was assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose inheritance extended into the northernmost part of the Transjordan. Golan's inclusion completed the network of refuge cities, ensuring that all tribes on the eastern bank had access to a designated sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 20:8 primarily employs **List** and **Geographical Specificity** as its key literary devices. The verse presents a clear, concise list of the three eastern Cities of Refuge, along with their precise locations and the tribes to which they were assigned. This listing serves to document the meticulous fulfillment of God's command and the orderly administration of the land. The use of **Geographical Specificity** ("on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward," "in the wilderness upon the plain," "in Gilead," "in Bashan") grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, reinforcing the historical accuracy and the practical implementation of the divine law. This precision underscores the strategic planning involved in making these cities accessible to all who might need them, reflecting the divine wisdom behind their establishment. The verse also functions as part of a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating the completion of a long-standing divine mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 20:8, by completing the list of Cities of Refuge, solidifies a profound theological statement about God's character and His design for human society. It demonstrates a divine commitment to both justice and mercy, establishing a legal framework that distinguishes between intentional malice and accidental harm. This system prevented the cycle of retaliatory violence while upholding the sanctity of human life and the need for accountability. The Cities of Refuge were physical manifestations of God's provision for protection and due process, ensuring that even in a fallen world, a pathway to safety and fair judgment existed. They underscored the principle that God's law is not merely punitive but also redemptive, offering a place of sanctuary for those in distress, provided they sought it and abided by its terms.

* [Numbers 35:11-15](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11-15 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:2-7](/deuteronomy/19-2 "Deuteronomy 19:2-7 - Instructions for Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous establishment of the Cities of Refuge, as detailed in Joshua 20:8, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of both perfect justice and boundless mercy. In a world often characterized by swift judgment and unforgiving retaliation, the divine provision for accidental offenders stands as a powerful model for our own interactions and societal structures. We are called to cultivate communities that seek to understand intent, offer grace, and provide pathways for restoration, rather than perpetuating cycles of harm. Furthermore, the necessity of actively fleeing to the City of Refuge for safety serves as a spiritual metaphor: just as the manslayer had to recognize their need and make a deliberate effort to reach the sanctuary, so too must we, recognizing our spiritual vulnerability and sin, actively flee to God for refuge. This act of seeking refuge is not passive but requires intentional repentance and faith, finding our ultimate safety and peace in His presence and His provisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of Cities of Refuge challenge our modern understanding of justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, embody the principles of refuge and due process in our interactions with others?**
* **What does it mean to "flee to God for refuge" in your daily life, and what practical steps does that involve?**
* **How does God's meticulous care in establishing these cities inform your understanding of His character and His involvement in human affairs?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge was to provide a sanctuary for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the "avenger of blood" (the victim's closest male relative). This system, mandated by God in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Law of the Cities of Refuge")), ensured that accidental killings were distinguished from premeditated murder, allowing for a fair legal process and preventing blood feuds from escalating. The unintentional slayer could remain safely within the city until the death of the high priest, after which they were free to return to their home.

**Why were three cities designated on each side of the Jordan River?**

Answer: Three cities were designated on each side of the Jordan River (six in total) to ensure that a City of Refuge was reasonably accessible from any point within the Israelite territory. The Jordan River served as a significant geographical barrier, and having cities on both the eastern and western banks (as detailed in [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-8 - The Six Cities of Refuge")) ensured that anyone in need of refuge could quickly reach a sanctuary, regardless of their location, thus emphasizing the universal availability of God's provision for justice and mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Cities of Refuge, meticulously established in Joshua 20:8 and throughout the land, serve as a powerful Old Testament type pointing directly to Jesus Christ as our ultimate and eternal sanctuary. Just as the manslayer, guilty of unintended death, had to flee to a designated city for protection from the avenger, so too do we, as sinners, stand in need of refuge from the just consequences of our sin and the judgment to come. Christ is our true City of Refuge, providing complete and secure protection for all who flee to Him in faith. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not merely a temporary reprieve but eternal salvation and reconciliation with God. Unlike the earthly cities, which required the high priest's death for the slayer's release, Christ, our eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, our Great High Priest")), died once for all, securing our permanent freedom and access to God's grace ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Him, we find not just a place of safety, but forgiveness, new life, and an unshakable hope, truly a [stronghold to which we can always resort](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God is my refuge and my fortress").

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.