Jos 20 | MHM | STEP | Joshua 20:1 – The Cities of Refuge This passage introduces the law about the cities of refuge, which God gave through Moses. These special cities were meant to protect people who accidentally killed someone. It was important for the safety and fairness of the land that innocent people would not be punished as murderers. The rule was helpful for everyone, because any person could accidentally hurt another. God reminded the Israelites to set up these cities right after they divided the land, so every area would have easy access to a city of refuge. These cities also point to the spiritual safety believers find in Jesus Christ, who is our refuge and protector from judgment (Hebrews 6:18; Romans 8:1 ). v. 1–2 : God told Joshua to appoint cities of refuge, as He had commanded through Moses. The timing was right, because the land had just been measured and divided. This made it easier to choose three cities in each region, so everyone could reach one quickly (Deuteronomy 19:3 ). These cities would be among the towns given to the Levites, which we read about in the next chapter.

‏ Joshua 20

Joshua 20:1 – The Cities of Refuge

This passage introduces the law about the cities of refuge, which God gave through Moses. These special cities were meant to protect people who accidentally killed someone. It was important for the safety and fairness of the land that innocent people would not be punished as murderers. The rule was helpful for everyone, because any person could accidentally hurt another. God reminded the Israelites to set up these cities right after they divided the land, so every area would have easy access to a city of refuge. These cities also point to the spiritual safety believers find in Jesus Christ, who is our refuge and protector from judgment (Hebrews 6:18; Romans 8:1 ^a).

v. 1–2: God told Joshua to appoint cities of refuge, as He had commanded through Moses. The timing was right, because the land had just been measured and divided. This made it easier to choose three cities in each region, so everyone could reach one quickly (Deuteronomy 19:3 ^b). These cities would be among the towns given to the Levites, which we read about in the next chapter.

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v. 3: The cities were for anyone who killed another person by accident, even if the victim was a close friend or family member. Sometimes accidents happen, and God wanted to be sure that someone who did not mean to kill would have a safe place to go (v. 3 ^c).

v. 4–6: If the person who killed someone by accident ran to a city of refuge, he could stay safe from the “avenger of blood” until there was a fair trial. If the judges decided it truly was an accident, the person could live in that city, protected by its leaders. However, he had to stay in the city and could only return to his home after the high priest died. The Jews also believed that if the person died in the city of refuge, his bones would later be moved to his family’s burial place when the high priest died (Numbers 35:10-34 ^d).

General Note: These laws about the cities of refuge not only protected innocent people, but also pointed to a deeper meaning. Just as people could run to these cities for safety, believers can turn to Jesus Christ for spiritual refuge and forgiveness (Philippians 3:9 ^e).

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Joshua 20:7 – The Cities of Refuge Appointed

This passage describes how the cities of refuge were officially chosen in Canaan by Joshua and the leaders of Israel. These cities were meant to protect people who accidentally killed someone, just as God had commanded. The appointment of these cities showed that God cares for innocent people and provides safety for those in danger. The process also repeated the appointment of three earlier cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan, which Moses had set up (Deuteronomy 4:43 ^f), but their full privilege as refuge cities began only now.

v. 7: The leaders of Israel “sanctified” or officially set apart these cities. This means they made a public declaration that these cities were now places of safety, dedicated to God as the protector of the innocent. There was no special ceremony, just a solemn decision by the court. This reminds us that Jesus, our ultimate refuge, was also sanctified by God the Father and set apart for our sake (John 17:19 ^g).

v. 8: The cities of refuge were placed in three different parts of the land, so that anyone could reach one quickly—usually within half a day. Kedesh was in Naphtali (in the north), Shechem was in Ephraim (in the middle), and Hebron was in Judah (in the south). This made sure God’s protection was always close by.

v. 9: All the cities of refuge were Levite cities. This gave special honor to the tribe of Levi, who were responsible for teaching and helping people understand God’s law. Refugees in these cities lived among Levites, who could pray for them and help them grow spiritually, even while they were confined.

General Note: These cities were built on hills so they could be seen from far away. This helped people in trouble find them quickly. The names of the cities also have special meanings that point to Jesus: Kedesh means “holy,” Shechem means “shoulder,” Hebron means “fellowship,” Bezer means “fortification,” Ramoth means “high” or “exalted,” and Golan means “joy.” Together, these names remind us that Jesus is our holy and strong refuge, the One who carries us, gives us fellowship, protects us, lifts us up, and fills us with joy. Besides these cities, the altar itself was a place of refuge, but only for those who were not guilty of murder (Exodus 21:14; 1 Kings 1:50; 2:28 ^h).