Joshua 20:9

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

These were the cities {H5892} appointed {H4152} for all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and for the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} among {H8432} them, that whosoever killeth {H5221} any person {H5315} at unawares {H7684} might flee {H5127} thither, and not die {H4191} by the hand {H3027} of the avenger {H1350} of blood {H1818}, until he stood {H5975} before {H6440} the congregation {H5712}.

These were the cities selected for all the people of Isra'el and for the foreigner living among them, so that anyone who kills any person by mistake could flee there and not die at the hand of the next-of-kin avenger prior to standing trial before the community.

These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.

These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person unwittingly might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Commentary

Joshua 20:9 concludes the description of the six Cities of Refuge, emphasizing their intended purpose and scope. These cities were divinely appointed sanctuaries designed to provide protection and a fair hearing for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, preventing immediate retribution by the "avenger of blood."

Context

This verse is part of Joshua's detailed account of the land distribution and the establishment of Israel's legal and social structures after the conquest of Canaan. The concept of Cities of Refuge was not new to this passage; it was commanded by God much earlier through Moses in the wilderness, as detailed in Numbers 35:6-34 and reinforced in Deuteronomy 19:2-10. Their establishment provided a crucial safeguard within Israel's justice system, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental homicide.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The system of Cities of Refuge perfectly illustrates God's character, which is both just and merciful. It ensured that intentional murderers faced appropriate punishment, while those who killed accidentally received a chance for fair judgment and protection from immediate vengeance. This balance reflects God's righteousness while also showing compassion for human error.
  • Protection for the Unintentional: The core purpose was to shield individuals who committed manslaughter "at unawares" (unintentionally or accidentally) from the immediate and often violent reprisal of the "avenger of blood." This highlights a sophisticated legal nuance for its time.
  • Equality Under the Law: Significantly, the verse states these cities were for "all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them." This demonstrates that God's law applied equally to both native-born Israelites and resident aliens, underscoring the principle of impartial justice within the community, as also taught in Leviticus 19:34.
  • Due Process and Community Judgment: Fleeing to a City of Refuge was not an acquittal but a temporary reprieve. The accused had to "stand before the congregation" for a proper trial, ensuring that justice was administered through established legal procedures and community oversight, not mob rule.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Avenger of blood" (Hebrew: גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el haddam): This term refers to the nearest male relative of a murdered person, who had the legal and social right—and often the duty—to avenge the death of their kin. The Cities of Refuge provided a necessary legal framework to prevent private vengeance from spiraling out of control and to ensure that only true murderers were executed.
  • "At unawares": This phrase emphasizes the accidental and unintentional nature of the killing, distinguishing it sharply from premeditated murder. This distinction was vital for the functioning of the justice system and for determining guilt and punishment.

Practical Application

The Cities of Refuge offer profound spiritual lessons. Just as these cities provided a safe haven for those who fled there, so too Christ is our ultimate refuge. We, in our spiritual state, are often guilty of unintentional sin or fall short of God's glory, and without a place of refuge, we would be subject to eternal judgment. Through faith in Jesus, we find forgiveness and protection from the spiritual "avenger of blood" (death and sin's penalty). This passage reminds us of God's meticulous care for justice, tempered with boundless mercy, and His desire for all people—regardless of background—to find safety and fairness under His divine law.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 35:15

    These six cities shall be a refuge, [both] for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.

  • Joshua 20:6

    And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, [and] until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

  • Joshua 20:4

    And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
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