"Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, “Tell the IsraelitesGod charged Joshua to instruct the covenant nation as Moses had done. Joshua’s leadership depended on faithful obedience to God’s revealed law, not personal authority. Num 35:2-3 Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance… to designate the cities of refuge, Six cities would provide protection for a person who caused an unintentional death until judgment could be rendered before the assembly. Israel’s law upheld the value of human life, restrained personal vengeance, and required justice to distinguish accidental killing from murder. The refuge offered to the innocent manslayer points forward to the safety found in Christ for those who come to Him. Num 35:6-8 Six of the cities you give the Levites… as I instructed you through Moses, Joshua carried forward commands already given in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. God’s purposes and standards did not change with the transition from Moses to Joshua; His word remained the governing authority for His people. Exo 21:12-14 Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and implementing God's laws, including the establishment of cities of refuge. 2. Israelites The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering and settling in the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. 3. Cities of Refuge Specific cities designated by God through Moses and Joshua where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and receive a fair trial. 4. Moses The prophet and leader who received the Law from God, including the instructions for the cities of refuge, which Joshua is now implementing. 5. Promised Land The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, where the Israelites are now settling and establishing their society according to God's laws. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a system to protect the innocent while ensuring justice is served. The Importance of Obedience Joshua's role in implementing God's instructions highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands for the well-being of the community. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ is our refuge, offering spiritual safety and salvation to those who seek Him. Community Responsibility The establishment of these cities underscores the community's role in upholding justice and providing protection for its members. Intentionality in God's Law The specific designation of cities shows God's intentionality in His laws, ensuring that they are practical and accessible for His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the cities of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives?2. In what ways does Joshua's obedience to God's instructions serve as a model for our own obedience to God's Word today? 3. How can the concept of a city of refuge help us understand the spiritual refuge we have in Christ? 4. What responsibilities do we have as a community of believers to ensure justice and protection for those who are vulnerable? 5. How can we be intentional in applying God's laws and principles in our daily lives, ensuring they are practical and accessible to those around us? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 35Provides the initial instructions given by God to Moses regarding the cities of refuge, detailing their purpose and function. Deuteronomy 19 Reiterates the laws concerning the cities of refuge, emphasizing justice and protection for those who have killed unintentionally. Hebrews 6 Discusses the concept of refuge in a spiritual sense, where believers find refuge in the hope set before them in Christ.
People Arba, Bezer, Gad, Joshua, Manasseh, Naphtali, ReubenPlaces Bashan, Bezer, Galilee, Gilead, Golan, Hebron, Jericho, Jordan River, Kedesh, Kiriath-arba, Ramoth, Shechem, ShilohTopics Appoint, Assign, Cities, Designate, Instructed, Marked, Mouth, Places, Refuge, Safe, Saying, Sons, Spake, Speak, Spoke, Spoken, Towns, Whereof, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 20:1-3 5491 refugees 5490 refuge Library The Cities of Refuge'The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, 2. Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: 3. That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. 4. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Perea. Beyond Jordan. Messiah's Easy Yoke Of the Cities of Refuge. Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was. In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord Joshua Links Joshua 20:2 NIVJoshua 20:2 NLT Joshua 20:2 ESV Joshua 20:2 NASB Joshua 20:2 KJV Joshua 20:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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