Joshua 20:5

Joshua 20:5 is a pivotal verse in understanding the ancient Israelite system of justice, specifically concerning the Cities of Refuge. It details the protection offered to an individual who has accidentally killed another, ensuring they are not immediately handed over to the "avenger of blood."

Context

This verse is part of the larger passage in Joshua chapter 20, which describes the establishment of the Cities of Refuge throughout the land of Canaan, as commanded by God through Moses (see Joshua 20:2). These cities served as sanctuaries for those who had committed unintentional homicide, distinguishing their act from premeditated murder. In ancient Israelite society, the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: go'el haddam) was typically a close relative of the deceased who had the legal and social right, and often the duty, to pursue and execute the killer to avenge the death. This system prevented blood feuds from escalating uncontrollably while still upholding the sanctity of human life.

Key Themes

• Justice Tempered with Mercy: The provision of Cities of Refuge demonstrates God's desire for justice that is both firm against intentional wrongdoing and merciful towards unintentional acts. It highlights the crucial distinction between murder and manslaughter.
• The Importance of Intent: The phrase "because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime" underscores that the slayer's intent was paramount. Lack of malice or premeditation was the determining factor for sanctuary. This principle is fundamental to many modern legal systems distinguishing degrees of homicide.
• Order and Due Process: The Cities of Refuge provided a structured legal process, preventing immediate, potentially unjust, retribution by the avenger of blood. It ensured that the case could be heard by the elders of the city, establishing a form of due process in a society without formal police forces or prisons.
• Sanctity of Life: While offering refuge, the system did not negate the value of the life taken. The slayer was still confined to the city until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25), signifying a period of consequences and reflection.

Linguistic Insight

The term "avenger of blood" is a translation of the Hebrew phrase go'el haddam (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם). The word go'el generally refers to a kinsman-redeemer, someone who has the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a relative, whether to redeem property, avenge a wrong, or ensure justice. In this context, the go'el's role was to exact retribution for bloodshed. The distinction made in the verse between "unwittingly" (bishgaga, meaning 'by error' or 'accidentally') and "hated him not beforetime" (lo-soneh hu lo-mitemol shilshom, emphasizing no prior animosity) is crucial. It precisely defines the conditions under which refuge was granted, reinforcing the absence of malicious intent.

Significance and Application

Joshua 20:5 offers timeless principles about justice, mercy, and the importance of intent. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of God's character as both righteous and compassionate. Just as God provided a physical refuge for those who unintentionally caused harm, so too does He offer spiritual refuge. The concept of a place of safety for the vulnerable prefigures the ultimate refuge found in Christ for those who seek forgiveness and salvation (compare with Hebrews 6:18, which speaks of fleeing for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us). It encourages us to pursue justice with discernment, understanding that circumstances and intent matter, and to extend mercy where appropriate, reflecting God's own perfect balance.