← Back to Joshua

Joshua 20

9 verses

TL;DR

God instructs Joshua to establish cities of refuge for accidental murderers, detailing the locations and procedures for protection and justice.

Summary

The LORD speaks to Joshua, commanding him to appoint cities of refuge where accidental killers may flee and find safety from avengers. These cities provide a legal haven, allowing the slain to be judged by the congregation rather than by personal vengeance. The instructions detail how a fleeing individual must declare his case at the city gate, be sheltered by elders, and remain there until judgment before the high priest and the congregation. If pursued by an avenger of blood, the city’s elders will not hand the killer over. The cities listed are Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, Kirjatharba (Hebron) in Judah, Bezer by Jericho, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan. The purpose is to ensure that accidental killings do not result in unjust retribution, providing a fair and communal adjudication process. These provisions emphasize both mercy for the accidental killer and justice for the victim’s family. They also extend protection to strangers living among Israel.

Outline
  1. God’s directive to Joshua for cities of refuge
  2. Legal procedure for accidental killers
  3. Specific cities designated across Israel
Themes
Justice tempered by mercyCommunity responsibilityLegal procedure
Keywords
cities of refugeavenger of bloodslayerunawareJerichoKedeshShechemHebronBezerRamothGolanhigh priestcongregation
People
JoshuaLORD (God)EldersHigh priestAvenger of bloodStranger
Places
KedeshShechemKirjatharba (Hebron)BezerRamothGolanGalileeMount NaphtaliEphraimJudahJordanJerichoReubenGadManassehBashan
Things
Cities of refugeAvenger of bloodSlayerHigh priestConstitutional judgmentGate of cityUnaware killing
Key Verses
  • Joshua 20:2: Introduces the concept of cities of refuge for accidental murderers.
  • Joshua 20:5: Clarifies the protection against vengeance and the duty of the elders.
  • Joshua 20:7: Lists the specific cities designated as refuges.
Questions
  • What does the establishment of cities of refuge reveal about ancient Israelite views on justice and mercy?
  • How might the procedure described for accidental killers compare to modern legal protections for unintended harm?
  • In what ways do the cities of refuge serve both spiritual and practical functions within the Israelite community?
  • Why does the text emphasize that the killer was not aware or hateful?
  • How does the inclusion of strangers reflect Israel’s societal values?
Sentiment

neutral
Procedural instruction without emotive language.