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.

And when he that doth flee {H5127} unto one {H259} of those cities {H5892} shall stand {H5975} at the entering {H6607} of the gate {H8179} of the city {H5892}, and shall declare {H1696} his cause {H1697} in the ears {H241} of the elders {H2205} of that city {H5892}, they shall take {H622} him into the city {H5892} unto them, and give {H5414} him a place {H4725}, that he may dwell {H3427} among them.

He is to flee to one of those cities, stand at the entrance to the city gate and state his cause to the city leaders. Then they will bring him into the city with them and give him a place, so that he may live among them.

When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them.

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

Commentary

Joshua 20:4 details the crucial procedure for an individual seeking asylum within one of the designated Cities of Refuge in ancient Israel, highlighting the initial steps for receiving protection.

Context

Following God's command given through Moses (as detailed in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19), six cities were set aside as places of sanctuary. These cities were specifically for those who had unintentionally killed another person, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: go'el haddam), a relative whose duty it was to pursue and execute the slayer. This verse details the initial step in seeking such protection: the manslayer had to present their case publicly at the city gate.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: This system reflects God's perfectly balanced character—providing a means for justice while extending mercy. It distinguished between premeditated murder and accidental death, ensuring appropriate consequences without allowing unchecked vengeance.
  • Due Process: The requirement for the accused to "declare his cause" before the city elders at the gate highlights the importance of a fair hearing. Protection was not automatic but required a presentation of facts and evidence to the proper authorities.
  • Community Responsibility: The elders, as local authorities and judges, had a solemn responsibility to listen, evaluate the case, and provide sanctuary if the claim of unintentional slaying was deemed valid. The gate of the city was the traditional place for legal and public assembly in Israelite society.
  • Sanctuary and Protection: The primary purpose was to offer a safe haven for the innocent until a proper trial could be held, ensuring they were not summarily executed by the avenger.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "declare his cause" (Hebrew: davar) suggests a formal presentation or pleading of one's case, implying a detailed account of the circumstances. The "elders" (Hebrew: zeqenim) were respected, experienced leaders of the community, responsible for upholding justice and order within the city.

Practical Application

Joshua 20:4 reminds us of the divine principles of justice, mercy, and the right to a fair hearing. In modern contexts, it underscores the importance of due process in legal systems and the provision of refuge for those genuinely in need of protection from harm. Spiritually, believers find ultimate refuge and security in God, who is both perfectly just and abundantly merciful, offering a safe haven from the spiritual consequences of sin through Christ (Psalm 46:1).

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 38:7 (4 votes)

    Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

  • Ruth 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

  • Ruth 4:2 (3 votes)

    And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.

  • Job 29:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ When I went out to the gate through the city, [when] I prepared my seat in the street!

  • Proverbs 31:23 (2 votes)

    Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

  • Job 5:4 (2 votes)

    His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

  • Psalms 26:9 (2 votes)

    Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: