Joshua 20:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joshua 20:9 concludes the detailed description of the six divinely appointed Cities of Refuge, explicitly defining their purpose and scope within Israel's legal framework. These cities served as essential sanctuaries, offering protection and a fair judicial process for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, thereby preventing immediate and potentially unjust retribution from the "avenger of blood" until a proper hearing before the community could determine guilt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culminating statement regarding the establishment of the Cities of Refuge, following the designation of the specific cities in [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-8 - Designation of Cities of Refuge"). It is part of the broader section in [Joshua 13-21](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-21 - Land Distribution and Levite Cities") detailing the allocation of tribal territories and the establishment of the Levites' cities, which included the Cities of Refuge. The placement of this legal provision immediately after the land distribution underscores its foundational importance to the social and judicial order of the newly settled nation, ensuring that the principles of justice and mercy were woven into the very fabric of their societal structure. This system was not new, but a fulfillment of earlier Mosaic commands found in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Laws of Homicide") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Cities of Refuge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of blood vengeance (lex talionis) was widespread, where the nearest male relative had the right and often the duty to avenge the death of a family member. This practice, while serving as a deterrent, often led to cycles of violence and unjust killings. Israel's system of Cities of Refuge, as described in [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge"), was a unique and sophisticated legal innovation. It distinguished between premeditated murder (punishable by death) and unintentional homicide (manslaughter), providing a legal framework to prevent arbitrary killings by the "avenger of blood" and ensure due process. This system demonstrated a remarkably advanced legal and ethical understanding for its time, reflecting God's character of both justice and mercy.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 20:9 powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, showcasing God's meticulous care for a legal system that both punishes intentional wrongdoing and extends compassion to the unintentional offender, balancing righteousness with grace. Secondly, the verse underscores **Protection for the Unintentional**, providing a safe haven for those who killed "at unawares," distinguishing their act from premeditated murder and shielding them from immediate, often violent, reprisal. Thirdly, the phrase "for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them" emphasizes **Equality Under the Law**, demonstrating that God's covenantal justice applied impartially to both native-born Israelites and resident aliens, a principle also echoed in [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Stranger as Yourself"). Finally, the requirement to "stand before the congregation" reinforces the theme of **Due Process and Community Judgment**, ensuring that justice was administered through established legal procedures and communal oversight, rather than mob rule, thereby upholding the integrity of the Israelite legal system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avenger of blood (Hebrew, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, _go'el haddam_):** This term refers to the nearest male relative of a deceased person, who, in ancient Israelite society, possessed the legal right and social obligation to avenge the death of their kin. The institution of the "avenger of blood" was a form of retributive justice. However, without the Cities of Refuge, this system could easily devolve into an endless cycle of blood feuds. The Cities of Refuge provided a critical legal safeguard, preventing the _go'el haddam_ from exercising immediate vengeance against someone who had committed unintentional homicide, thus ensuring a fair trial.
* **At unawares (Hebrew, בִּשְׁגָגָה, _bish'gaghah_):** This adverbial phrase is crucial, signifying an act committed "unintentionally," "accidentally," or "without malice aforethought." It sharply distinguishes manslaughter from premeditated murder. The entire system of Cities of Refuge was predicated on this distinction, offering protection only to those whose actions were genuinely accidental, such as an axe head flying off its handle (as illustrated in [Deuteronomy 19:5](/deuteronomy/19-5 "Deuteronomy 19:5 - Example of Unintentional Killing")). This legal nuance highlights the sophistication of Israelite law in discerning intent.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, עֵדָה, _'edah_):** This term refers to the assembly or community of Israel, particularly in its judicial capacity. When an individual fled to a City of Refuge, they were not automatically acquitted. Instead, they were required to "stand before the congregation" for a formal trial. This "congregation" would typically involve the elders or appointed judges of the city or tribe, who would hear the case, examine the evidence, and determine whether the killing was indeed unintentional or a deliberate act. This ensured that justice was administered publicly and according to established legal procedures, preventing both arbitrary execution and unmerited asylum.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for for the stranger that sojourneth among them":** This opening clause emphasizes the universal accessibility and non-discriminatory nature of the Cities of Refuge. The divine provision of refuge was not limited to native-born Israelites but extended equally to "the stranger," or resident alien, who lived among them. This highlights God's impartial justice and the inclusive nature of His covenantal law, reinforcing the principle that all inhabitants of the land, regardless of their origin, were under the same legal protection and subject to the same judicial processes.
* **"that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither":** This specifies the primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge: to provide a safe haven for individuals who had caused a death unintentionally. The phrase "at unawares" (Hebrew: _bish'gaghah_) is key, distinguishing accidental homicide from premeditated murder. The cities were designated as places of immediate asylum, allowing the unintentional killer to escape the immediate wrath of the "avenger of blood" and seek legal recourse, rather than face instant, potentially unjust, retribution.
* **"and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation":** This final clause clarifies the temporary nature of the refuge and the crucial role of due process. Fleeing to a City of Refuge did not grant automatic acquittal; it merely provided temporary protection from the "avenger of blood." The accused was required to remain in the city until their case could be heard and judged by the "congregation" (the elders or judicial assembly). This ensured that a proper investigation and trial took place, distinguishing between accidental death and murder, and upholding the integrity of Israel's justice system.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 20:9 employs **Legal Language** to convey its precise judicial function, using terms like "appointed," "flee thither," "avenger of blood," and "congregation," which are all specific to the Israelite legal system. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the purpose and scope of the Cities of Refuge system previously detailed. Furthermore, it utilizes **Inclusivity** as a rhetorical device by explicitly mentioning both "the children of Israel" and "the stranger," emphasizing the universal application of God's law within the community. The structure of the verse, moving from the designation of the cities to their purpose and the conditions for their use, demonstrates a clear, logical progression typical of legal statutes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 20:9 profoundly illustrates the intricate balance between God's justice and His mercy, a hallmark of divine character throughout Scripture. The Cities of Refuge were not a loophole for murderers but a divinely ordained provision to ensure that justice was tempered with compassion, preventing innocent blood from being shed due to hasty vengeance. This system underscored the sanctity of human life while also acknowledging human fallibility and the possibility of unintentional wrongdoing. It established a legal precedent that valued due process and impartial judgment over mob rule, reflecting God's desire for an orderly and righteous society. The inclusion of the "stranger" alongside the "children of Israel" further highlights God's universal concern for justice and His inclusive nature, extending His protective laws beyond the covenant community to all who resided within the land. This foreshadows a broader redemptive plan that embraces all humanity.

* [Numbers 35:12](/numbers/35-12 "Numbers 35:12 - Cities of Refuge for Protection from Avenger")
* [Deuteronomy 19:6](/deuteronomy/19-6 "Deuteronomy 19:6 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge")
* [Exodus 21:13](/exodus/21-13 "Exodus 21:13 - Provision for Accidental Killing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient provision of Cities of Refuge offers a timeless spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as these physical cities provided a safe haven for those who unintentionally caused harm, so too does God offer spiritual refuge to all who flee to Him for safety from the consequences of their sin. We, in our fallen state, often "kill at unawares" through our unintentional trespasses, our ignorance, or our inherent sinfulness, incurring a spiritual debt that an "avenger" (the law, death, or judgment) demands. This passage reminds us that God's justice is perfect, but His mercy is boundless. He has provided an ultimate refuge, not just from physical death, but from eternal condemnation. Our spiritual journey involves recognizing our need for this refuge, fleeing to it by faith, and trusting in the divine provision for our salvation. The principle of due process also teaches us the importance of allowing God's righteous judgment to prevail in our lives, trusting His perfect timing and His ultimate verdict, rather than seeking self-justification or succumbing to despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "unawares" in this passage help us understand the nature of sin and God's mercy?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, need to "flee for refuge" in our spiritual lives today?**
* **How does the inclusion of "the stranger" in this legal provision challenge our understanding of justice and inclusivity in our communities and churches?**
* **What does the requirement to "stand before the congregation" teach us about accountability and community in our faith journey?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary difference between murder and accidental killing in ancient Israelite law?**

Answer: The primary difference, crucial for the system of Cities of Refuge, was **intent**. Premeditated murder (killing with malice aforethought) was a capital crime, punishable by death at the hand of the "avenger of blood" or through the legal system, with no possibility of refuge ([Numbers 35:16-21](/numbers/35-16 "Numbers 35:16-21 - Laws Concerning Murder")). Accidental killing, or manslaughter ("at unawares" or "unintentionally"), was treated differently. While still a serious offense, the Cities of Refuge provided a sanctuary for the unintentional killer to escape immediate retribution and undergo a fair trial before the community. If proven unintentional, the person would remain in the city of refuge until the death of the current high priest, after which they could return home without fear of the avenger ([Numbers 35:25-28](/numbers/35-25 "Numbers 35:25-28 - Return of the Manslayer")).

**Why were the Cities of Refuge necessary if there was an "avenger of blood"?**

Answer: The Cities of Refuge were necessary precisely *because* there was an "avenger of blood." Without these designated cities, the "avenger of blood" (the nearest male relative of the deceased) had the right to immediately pursue and kill anyone who caused the death of their kin, regardless of intent. This system, while serving as a deterrent to violence, could easily lead to unjust killings and blood feuds if the death was accidental. The Cities of Refuge provided a crucial legal check on private vengeance, ensuring that only those guilty of *intentional* murder faced the death penalty, while those who killed "at unawares" received due process and protection until their case could be fairly judged by the community ([Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Cities of Refuge, as described in [Joshua 20:9](/joshua/20-9 "Joshua 20:9 - Cities of Refuge for Unintentional Killers"), serve as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a physical city for protection from the "avenger of blood," so too does humanity, guilty of sin—whether intentional or "at unawares" through our fallen nature—flee to Christ for salvation from the ultimate avenger: the righteous judgment of God and the penalty of eternal death. The author of Hebrews explicitly states that believers have "fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" in Christ ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Christ")). Jesus is our true sanctuary, our safe haven where we find not temporary reprieve, but eternal forgiveness and reconciliation with God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full penalty of our sin on the cross, thereby disarming the spiritual "avenger" and offering us complete and permanent refuge from condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). In Him, the perfect balance of God's justice and mercy is fully realized, providing a way for all—Jew and Gentile alike—to find safety and new life.

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

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.