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Joshua 20

Chapter Text

Cities of Refuge

Summary

The third lot falls to Zebulun, the fourth to Issachar, the fifth to Asher, the sixth to Naphtali, and the seventh to Dan. Each tribe's boundaries and cities are described. Dan's original territory proves too small, so they later conquer Leshem in the far north and rename it Dan.

Meaning

The orderly distribution to each tribe affirms that God has a specific place and purpose for every member of His covenant people. No tribe is overlooked or treated as insignificant.

Dan's need to seek additional territory foreshadows the tribe's later spiritual wandering. When God's allotted portion seems insufficient, the temptation is to seek fulfillment outside His appointed boundaries.

Background

These northern and coastal tribes occupied territories that would become important in later Israelite history. Naphtali and Zebulun's territories in Galilee would be highlighted in Isaiah's messianic prophecy.

The migration of Dan to the far north is recorded more fully in Judges 18.

Chapter Outline

  1. vv. 1-3God Commands the Cities of Refuge
  2. vv. 4-6Procedures for the Manslayer's Protection
  3. vv. 7Three Cities Appointed West of Jordan
  4. vv. 8Three Cities Appointed East of Jordan
  5. vv. 9Summary: Refuge for All Who Flee

Key Verses

“That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.”— 20:3

This verse establishes the core purpose of the cities of refuge — protecting the unintentional manslayer from retributive justice. It foreshadows the grace available to sinners through Christ, our ultimate refuge.

“And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.”— 20:6

The slayer's release is tied to the death of the high priest — a detail rich with typological significance, as Christ's death as our High Priest secures full and final release for those who take refuge in Him.

“These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.”— 20:9

The inclusiveness of this provision — extending to the stranger as well as the Israelite — reveals God's concern for justice and mercy beyond ethnic boundaries, anticipating the universal scope of the gospel.

People & Places

People

  • Joshua — Leader of Israel and successor to Moses, receiving the LORD's command to designate the cities of refuge.
  • Moses — Referenced as the one through whom God originally commanded the appointment of cities of refuge (Numbers 35).

Places

  • Kedesh — A city of refuge in Galilee, situated in the mountainous territory of Naphtali in northern Canaan.
  • Shechem — A city of refuge in the hill country of Ephraim, centrally located in the promised land.
  • Kirjatharba (Hebron) — A city of refuge in the mountains of Judah in southern Canaan, also known as Hebron.
  • Bezer — A city of refuge east of the Jordan in the wilderness plain, assigned from the tribe of Reuben.
  • Ramoth in Gilead — A city of refuge in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River.
  • Golan — A city of refuge in Bashan, from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh, east of the Jordan.
  • Jericho — Referenced as a geographic marker for the eastern cities of refuge, located near the Jordan crossing.

Prophecy & Fulfillment

The cities of refuge powerfully foreshadow Christ as the believer's refuge from the penalty of sin. Just as the manslayer fled to the city and was safe from the avenger of blood, sinners flee to Christ for salvation (Hebrews 6:18). The release of the manslayer upon the death of the high priest (v. 6) typologically points to Christ's death as High Priest, which secures complete and permanent freedom for all who trust in Him. The cities' accessibility to both Israelite and stranger (v. 9) anticipates the universal offer of the gospel.

Devotional

God does not leave the vulnerable without provision. In a world governed by strict justice, He carved out a merciful path for those who caused unintentional harm — cities of refuge, strategically placed so that no one was ever too far from safety.

This chapter reminds us that God's justice and mercy are not at odds. He holds wrongdoing seriously while providing a way of escape for the repentant. We too can flee to Christ, our eternal refuge, in every season of guilt, failure, and fear.

When life's consequences feel overwhelming, remember: God has already made provision. The door of refuge stands open, and the High Priest's sacrifice has set us free.

Literary Style

This chapter is legislative narrative — God's direct command followed by its precise implementation. It echoes and fulfills the legislation of Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. The structure is tightly organized: divine instruction (vv. 1–6), geographic fulfillment (vv. 7–8), and a summary statement (v. 9). The balanced listing of three western and three eastern cities reflects careful literary symmetry.