# Overview Joshua Chapter 20 outlines the establishment of the cities of refuge, as commanded by the Lord through #Moses, and delivered by #Joshua to the people of #Israel. These cities were designated as safe havens for anyone who accidentally killed another person, providing them protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This system reflects the #justice and #mercy inherent in God's law, ensuring that those who committed manslaughter—distinct from premeditated murder—would have a place to flee and receive a fair hearing. The chapter emphasizes the importance of due process and the protection of the innocent, illustrating God's concern for justice and compassion among His people. The chapter lists six cities strategically located throughout the territories of Israel: #Kedesh in #Galilee, in the hill country of #Naphtali; #Shechem in the hill country of #Ephraim; #KiriathArba (Hebron) in the hill country of #Judah; on the east of the #Jordan, #Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau of the tribe of #Reuben; #Ramoth in #Gilead of the tribe of #Gad; and #Golan in #Bashan of the tribe of #Manasseh. These cities were accessible to all Israelites and resident foreigners, ensuring that God's provision for justice and mercy was extended to all who lived within the nation. This system underscores the unity of the tribes under God's law and the collective responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness in the land. ## Theological Insights Joshua 20 presents the establishment of cities of refuge, which serves as a profound illustration of #God's mercy, justice, and provision for His people. These cities were designated as places where someone who had accidentally killed another person could find asylum, protecting them from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The concept of the cities of refuge highlights several key theological themes: 1. **Divine Justice and Mercy**: The cities of refuge underscore the balance between justice and mercy in God's law. While the law demanded justice for wrongdoing, it also provided a means for mercy and protection for those who were not guilty of intentional murder. This reflects God’s character as both just and merciful, offering protection and a chance for fairness. 2. **Sanctuary and Safety**: These cities symbolize sanctuary and safety, foreshadowing the ultimate refuge found in #Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is often seen as the ultimate refuge for sinners, offering protection and atonement for sin. As Hebrews 6:18 says, we have "fled for refuge" to lay hold of the hope set before us in Christ. 3. **Provision and Order in the Promised Land**: The establishment of these cities demonstrates God’s careful provision and order for #Israel within the Promised Land. It ensured that the community would not be consumed by cycles of vengeance and blood feuds, instead promoting justice and community stability. 4. **Symbol of Christ's Sacrifice**: The cities of refuge can be seen as a type of Christ. Just as the manslayer could flee to a city of refuge for safety, so can sinners flee to Christ for salvation and refuge from the due penalty of sin. This typology points forward to the New Testament's teaching on Christ's sacrificial death as a means of providing refuge for humanity. In summary, Joshua 20 reveals deep insights into God's character and His plans for human governance and justice. It is an Old Testament shadow of the refuge and salvation offered through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], providing a physical representation of the spiritual refuge found in Him. The cities of refuge illustrate how God's justice is intertwined with His mercy, ensuring protection and fairness within His covenant community. ## Thematic Connections ### Cities of Refuge and God's Justice The establishment of cities of refuge in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 20]] underscores a theme of #justice and #mercy that is woven throughout Scripture. These cities provided protection for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This concept parallels passages such as [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 21]], where laws concerning manslaughter and refuge are detailed, and [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 35]], which also discusses the cities of refuge, emphasizing God’s provision for justice and due process within the community. ### Mercy and Protection The cities of refuge reflect God's merciful character, providing a means of protection and a chance for repentance and restoration. This theme of divine mercy can be connected to the sanctuary cities established in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 19]], and the overarching narrative of God’s protection, as seen in how He preserved the lives of His people, such as in the story of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19|Lot]] and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. ### The Role of the High Priest The requirement that the fugitive must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest (Joshua 20:6) highlights the significant role of the #highpriest in Israelite society. The death of the high priest would mark the fugitive's freedom, symbolizing a new beginning. This can be linked to the high priestly function in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 16]] during the Day of Atonement, representing spiritual cleansing and renewal for the people of Israel. ### Divine Intervention and Covenant The appointment of cities of refuge is a continuation of God's covenantal promises, illustrating His ongoing intervention in the lives of His people. This theme mirrors God's provision and guidance as the Israelites entered the Promised Land, as seen in earlier chapters like [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]], and connects to the broader narrative of God’s faithfulness throughout the history of Israel, such as His covenant with [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]]. ### Community Responsibility and Restoration The cities of refuge also emphasize the theme of communal responsibility and the importance of maintaining societal justice and peace. This reflects the broader biblical principle seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19]], where the Israelites are called to love their neighbor and uphold community welfare, and in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12]], where believers are encouraged to live in harmony and seek peace with one another. ### Symbolism of Refuge in Christ The cities of refuge in Joshua serve as a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in #Christ. Just as these cities provided safety and a place of judgment, Jesus offers sanctuary and redemption for sinners. This symbolism is echoed in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 6]], where believers are urged to flee to Christ, the refuge of their hope. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Cities of Refuge The establishment of the cities of refuge in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 20]] fulfills the instructions given by God through #Moses in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 35]] and [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 19]]. These cities serve as a prophetic foreshadowing of the refuge and protection found in #Christ for those who seek Him. Just as these cities provided safety for those who accidentally committed manslaughter, Jesus provides spiritual refuge for sinners in need of salvation and forgiveness. This fulfillment emphasizes the merciful and redemptive nature of God's provision for His people, ultimately realized in Jesus' sacrificial act on the cross. ### A Shadow of Christ’s Mediation The role of the cities of refuge can also be seen as a shadow of #Christ's mediation between God and humanity. Similar to how the high priest’s death would allow the manslayer to return home, Jesus’ death and resurrection create a pathway for reconciliation and freedom from the bondage of sin. This concept is echoed in passages such as [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 6|Hebrews 6:18]], which speaks of the hope set before us as a refuge, reinforcing the idea that Jesus is our ultimate high priest and mediator, fulfilling the prophetic symbolism of the cities of refuge. ## Verses - **Joshua 20:1** - "The LORD said to #Joshua," - **Joshua 20:2** - "Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses." - See [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 35]], [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 19]] - **Joshua 20:3** - "Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to these cities. They will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed." - **Joshua 20:4** - "Upon reaching one of these cities, the one who caused the death will appear before the elders at the city gate and present his case. They must allow him to enter the city and give him a place to live among them." - **Joshua 20:5** - "If the relatives of the victim come to avenge the killing, the leaders must not release the slayer to them, for he killed the other person unintentionally and without previous hostility." - **Joshua 20:6** - "But the slayer must stay in that city and be tried by the local assembly, which will render a judgment. And he must continue to live in that city until the death of the high priest who was in office at the time of the accident. After that, the slayer is free to return to his own home in the town from which he fled." - See [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 35]] for details on the role of the high priest. - **Joshua 20:7** - "The following cities were designated as cities of refuge: #Kedesh of #Galilee in the hill country of #Naphtali, #Shechem in the hill country of #Ephraim, and #KiriathArba (that is, #Hebron) in the hill country of #Judah." - **Joshua 20:8** - "On the east side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho, the following cities were designated: #Bezer in the wilderness plain of the tribe of #Reuben, #Ramoth in #Gilead, in the territory of the tribe of #Gad, and #Golan in #Bashan, in the land of the tribe of #Manasseh." - **Joshua 20:9** - "These cities were set apart for all the Israelites as well as the foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed another person could take refuge in one of these cities. In this way, they could escape being killed in revenge prior to standing trial before the local assembly."