Joshua 20: Cities of Refuge

Introduction: The twentieth chapter of the book of Joshua is a chapter of divine wisdom, provision, and grace. It uniquely outlines the establishment of cities of refuge, a transformative concept in Mosaic law providing a sanctuary for unintentional killers. The provision of these cities reflects God’s compassion and justice, allowing for a fair trial before any punishment could be executed. This outline dissects Joshua 20, exploring it in the context of the greater biblical narrative.

I. Joshua 20:1-2: The Command
God commands Joshua to establish cities of refuge, bringing the Mosaic law into fruition (Numbers 35:9-14). The instruction was first given to Moses on Mount Sinai, indicating a divine plan that transcends man’s understanding. The law represents God’s perfect justice, acknowledging human frailty and establishing a system that prevents the blood feud’s destructive cycle and the violation of the commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).

II. Joshua 20:3: Purpose of the Cities
The cities served as a refuge to anyone who unintentionally killed someone, providing them with a safe haven until trial. This acknowledges the distinction between premeditated murder and accidental manslaughter, an advanced concept in ancient legislation. The concept of refuge here can also be paralleled to the refuge found in God (Psalm 46:1, Proverbs 18:10).

III. Joshua 20:4-6: Procedure Upon Arrival
The accidental manslayer is to present their case at the city gate before the elders, an example of due process (Deuteronomy 19:12). They are allowed to live in the city until the high priest dies, which symbolically purges the land of guilt (Numbers 35:25). This demonstrates a transfer of guilt and a type of atonement, foreshadowing Christ’s role as our High Priest, who by His death, purged our sins (Hebrews 9:11-14).

IV. Joshua 20:7-8: Establishment of the Cities
Six cities were designated across the land – Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. Their distribution allowed easy access for anyone needing asylum, reflecting God’s fairness and accessibility (Deuteronomy 4:41-43, Joshua 21:13, 21, 27, 32, 36, 38). These cities were Levitical cities, hence centers of religious and legal instruction, further emphasizing the role of the priesthood in dealing with sin and guilt.

V. Joshua 20:9: Conclusion and Consequence
These cities were for both native Israelites and foreigners alike, demonstrating God’s impartiality (Leviticus 19:34). The city of refuge provides physical safety, but is also symbolically significant, indicating that God is our ultimate place of refuge (Psalm 9:9).

Conclusion: Joshua 20 is a testament to God’s justice and mercy operating in harmony. The cities of refuge embody God’s grace, cognizant of human imperfection, and offer sanctuary and a chance at redemption. Further, they foreshadow the ultimate refuge we have in Jesus Christ, our High Priest who bore our guilt and granted us forgiveness. Consequently, the book of Joshua does more than recount historical events; it offers profound theological insights that still resonate with us today.