Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Cities of Refuge is rooted in the Mosaic Law, serving as a divine provision for justice and mercy. These cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The establishment of these cities underscores the balance between justice and compassion in the biblical legal system.The names and locations of the Cities of Refuge are detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. According to the Berean Standard Bible, six cities were appointed as Cities of Refuge: 1. Kedesh: Located in the region of Galilee in the territory of Naphtali, Kedesh served as a northern refuge. It is mentioned in Joshua 20:7: "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali..." 2. Shechem: Situated in the hill country of Ephraim, Shechem was centrally located, making it accessible to many. Joshua 20:7 continues, "...Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim..." 3. Hebron: Also known as Kiriath Arba, Hebron was located in the hill country of Judah. It is the third city mentioned in Joshua 20:7: "...and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah." 4. Bezer: Found in the wilderness on the plateau in the territory of Reuben, Bezer served the eastern tribes. Joshua 20:8 states, "Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben..." 5. Ramoth: Located in Gilead in the territory of Gad, Ramoth was another eastern city of refuge. Joshua 20:8 continues, "...Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad..." 6. Golan: Situated in Bashan in the territory of Manasseh, Golan was the final city listed. Joshua 20:8 concludes, "...and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh." These cities were strategically distributed across the land to ensure that anyone in need of refuge could reach one without undue hardship. The Levitical cities, as they were also known, were inhabited by the Levites, who were tasked with maintaining the spiritual and legal order within these sanctuaries. The Cities of Refuge reflect the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. They provided a system where the accused could find safety and a fair hearing, emphasizing the importance of due process and the protection of the innocent. The existence of these cities highlights the value placed on human life and the need for a just society, as ordained by God through His covenant with Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 4:41-43Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sun rise; Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 20:7,8 Library The Gospel Refuge. Deuteronomy. From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. Joshua. Joshua's Conquest. The Origin and Growth of Law. The Pentateuch. The Historical Books. The Life of Salvian Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final ... Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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