Joshua 21:32

KJV

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, Kedesh {H6943} in Galilee {H1551} with her suburbs {H4054}, to be a city {H5892} of refuge {H4733} for the slayer {H7523}; and Hammothdor {H2576} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Kartan {H7178} with her suburbs {H4054}; three {H7969} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of the tribe of Naftali: Kedesh in the Galil with its surrounding open land, the city of refuge for the killer; Hammot-Dor with its surrounding open land; and Kartan with its surrounding open land - three cities.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:32 meticulously details the allocation of three Levitical cities from the tribal territory of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee, Hammothdor, and Kartan. This verse is particularly significant for designating Kedesh as one of the six divinely appointed cities of refuge, underscoring God's precise provision for the Levites and His compassionate system of justice for unintentional homicides within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 stands as the culmination of the land distribution narrative in the book of Joshua, following the detailed accounts of conquest and tribal inheritances in chapters 13-19. Chapters 20 and 21 specifically address the unique provisions for the Levites and the establishment of cities of refuge. Joshua 21:32 is part of a larger list (Joshua 21:27-39) enumerating the cities given to the Merarite clan of Levites from the tribes of Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Reuben. This precise cataloging emphasizes the fulfillment of God's command and the meticulous organization of the nascent Israelite nation, ensuring the spiritual well-being of all tribes by strategically placing their spiritual leaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the conquest of Canaan, Israel transitioned from a nomadic confederation to a settled nation. The allocation of land was a critical step in establishing their identity and governance under the Mosaic Law. The Levites, consecrated for priestly and temple service, received no tribal land inheritance; instead, they were supported by tithes and granted specific cities scattered throughout the other tribes' territories ([Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")). This arrangement ensured their presence among all tribes, facilitating their teaching and judicial roles. The concept of "cities of refuge" was a unique legal innovation, designed to prevent blood feuds and provide due process for those accused of unintentional homicide, distinguishing it from premeditated murder ([Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws for Cities of Refuge")). Kedesh, located in Upper Galilee, was strategically positioned in the northern part of Israel, making it accessible for those fleeing from the northern tribes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Joshua and the Pentateuch. It highlights God's **Divine Order and Provision**, demonstrating His meticulous planning in settling His people and ensuring the spiritual infrastructure of the nation. The designation of Kedesh as a city of refuge exemplifies God's profound balance of **Justice and Mercy**, providing a legal framework that protected the innocent while demanding accountability for bloodshed, as seen in the laws outlined in [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Unintentional Killing"). Furthermore, the distribution of Levitical cities underscores the theme of **Levitical Service and Accessibility**, ensuring that spiritual guidance, teaching of the Law, and priestly duties were readily available to all tribes throughout the land, reinforcing the spiritual unity of Israel under God, as commanded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kedesh (Hebrew, _qedesh_):** Meaning "holy" or "sanctuary," this name is profoundly fitting for a city designated as a place of refuge. It implies a separation or consecration, suggesting that the city itself, by divine decree, became a sacred space of protection. The etymology reinforces the idea that seeking refuge was not merely a legal maneuver but an act of entering a divinely ordained sanctuary.
* **City of refuge (Hebrew, _'ir miqlat'_):** This specific legal term refers to one of six cities (three on each side of the Jordan) established by God's command (Numbers 35; Deuteronomy 19; Joshua 20). These cities provided asylum for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could be held. The system aimed to prevent arbitrary vengeance and ensure due process, embodying God's unique blend of justice and mercy in the Mosaic Law.
* **Slayer (Hebrew, _rotzeach_):** While _rotzeach_ can refer to any killer, the context of the cities of refuge system specifically distinguishes between intentional murder and unintentional homicide. In this context, "slayer" refers to one who has caused death accidentally, without malice aforethought. The system was designed to protect such individuals, granting them the opportunity for a fair hearing and, if found innocent of malicious intent, asylum within the city until the death of the high priest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Naphtali,"**: This opening clause specifies the tribal territory from which the following cities are allocated. It emphasizes the meticulous and systematic division of the land and the precise fulfillment of God's instructions regarding the Levitical cities, ensuring that each tribe contributed to the support of the priestly tribe.
* **"Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer;"**: This identifies the first city, Kedesh, noting its geographical location ("in Galilee") and the surrounding pasturelands ("with her suburbs") designated for the Levites' livestock. Crucially, it highlights Kedesh's primary function as one of the six cities of refuge, a sanctuary for those who had unintentionally caused a death, underscoring God's provision for justice and mercy.
* **"and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs;"**: This lists the second and third cities from Naphtali's territory given to the Levites, along with their associated pasturelands. These cities, while not designated as cities of refuge, still served as residences for the Levites, enabling them to fulfill their spiritual, judicial, and educational roles among the people.
* **"three cities."**: This concluding phrase provides a numerical summary, confirming that exactly three cities were allocated from the tribe of Naphtali to the Levites. This reinforces the precise and ordered nature of the land distribution and the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:32 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse systematically lists the cities allocated to the Levites from a specific tribe, along with their key characteristics. This precise listing, common throughout Joshua 21, emphasizes the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands and the orderly establishment of Israel's national structure. **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" underscores the provision of pasturelands alongside the cities, highlighting the practical support given to the Levites. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language** or a **Formulaic Style**, particularly in its designation of Kedesh as a "city of refuge for the slayer," which links back to the detailed legal codes concerning these cities found in the Pentateuch. This formulaic precision lends an air of official decree and divine authority to the land allocation. Finally, **Geographic Specificity** ("Kedesh in Galilee") grounds the narrative in concrete reality, making the historical account tangible and verifiable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:32, though a seemingly administrative detail, is rich with theological significance. It showcases God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, not only to Abraham's descendants by giving them the land but also to the Levites by providing for their sustenance and strategic placement. The establishment of cities of refuge like Kedesh reveals God's character as both just and merciful, providing a legal framework that upheld the sanctity of life while preventing arbitrary revenge. This system ensured that even in cases of accidental death, due process was afforded, reflecting a divine concern for equity and compassion within the community. The presence of Levites, strategically distributed throughout the land, ensured that spiritual instruction and access to God's law were available to all tribes, fostering national unity under God's covenant.

* [Numbers 35:11-12](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11-12 - Establishment of Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Laws for Unintentional Killing")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:32, while rooted in ancient Israelite law and land distribution, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, provision, justice, and mercy. Just as He meticulously arranged for the Levites' needs and provided havens for the unintentionally guilty, so too does He care for every detail of our lives and offer ultimate refuge. We are called to trust in His perfect provision, knowing that He will always meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. Furthermore, the concept of a "city of refuge" points to our deepest human need for safety and sanctuary from the consequences of our fallen world. In a spiritual sense, we are all "slayers" in need of refuge, having transgressed God's holy law. This verse prompts us to consider where we seek our refuge today and to whom we turn when we are in trouble or burdened by guilt. It encourages us to embrace God's compassionate justice, which always seeks restoration and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in this passage encourage your trust in His provision for your own life?**
* **How does the concept of a "city of refuge" illuminate God's balance of justice and mercy, and how can you apply this understanding to your interactions with others?**
* **Where do you find your ultimate refuge and sanctuary in times of distress or spiritual need?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites given cities instead of a tribal land inheritance?**

Answer: The Levites were set apart for sacred service to the Lord, specifically for duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the other tribes, "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead of a territorial inheritance, God commanded that they be given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands. This arrangement ensured that they could be supported by the tithes of the people and, more importantly, that spiritual instruction, judicial guidance, and priestly service were accessible to all Israelites, fostering national unity and adherence to God's law. This strategic distribution prevented the Levites from becoming an isolated priestly class and instead integrated them into the fabric of the nation.

**What was the purpose of a "city of refuge" and how did it function?**

Answer: The cities of refuge were a unique legal institution established by God's command (e.g., [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for Cities of Refuge")). Their primary purpose was to provide a sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" (a relative of the deceased who had the right to exact vengeance). Upon reaching a city of refuge, the slayer would present their case to the elders at the city gate. If it was determined that the killing was unintentional and without malice, they would be granted asylum within the city. They were required to remain there until the death of the current high priest. This system prevented arbitrary blood feuds, ensured due process, and distinguished between premeditated murder (which carried the death penalty) and accidental homicide, reflecting God's commitment to both justice and mercy.

**Was Kedesh in Galilee the only city of refuge?**

Answer: No, Kedesh in Galilee was one of six cities of refuge designated by God. Three were located on the west side of the Jordan River (Kedesh in Naphtali, Shechem in Ephraim, and Hebron in Judah), and three on the east side (Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth-Gilead in Gad, and Golan in Manasseh). These six cities were strategically chosen and distributed across the land to ensure accessibility for anyone needing to flee for refuge, as described in [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-8 - The Six Cities of Refuge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:32, with its focus on Kedesh as a city of refuge, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the ancient slayer fled to a designated city for protection from the avenger of blood, so too do those guilty of sin find their ultimate sanctuary and salvation in Christ. The Mosaic Law, including the system of cities of refuge, served as a "tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor to Christ")). Jesus is our true [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), whose death, unlike the temporary reprieve offered by the high priest's death in the Old Covenant, provides eternal freedom from the condemnation of sin for all who "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Hope in Christ")). 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")), offering not merely protection from an earthly avenger but deliverance from divine wrath and eternal death. In Christ, we find perfect justice met with boundless mercy, as He bore the penalty for our sins, becoming our "city of refuge" where forgiveness, peace, and eternal life are found for all who believe ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

1 Chronicles 6:76

And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

Joshua 19:35

And the fenced cities [are] Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

Joshua 19:37

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,