1 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 take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbor unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
6 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.
7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.
9 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.
In the 20th chapter of the Book of Joshua in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, we see the continuation of the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites. This chapter focuses on the establishment of cities of refuge and the laws surrounding them. It also highlights the importance of seeking justice and protecting the innocent. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us about God's justice and mercy, and the importance of obedience to His commandments.
The chapter begins with the Lord speaking to Joshua, instructing him to command the children of Israel to designate six cities of refuge. These cities were to be designated as places of safety for those who had unintentionally committed manslaughter. This was in accordance with the law given by God to Moses in Numbers 35:9-34.
The six cities of refuge were to be distributed throughout the land of Canaan, three on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west side. These cities were to provide shelter and protection for those who had accidentally killed someone, until they could stand trial and receive a fair judgment.
God's provision of cities of refuge shows His mercy and compassion towards His people. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and protecting the innocent. These cities were a reflection of God's justice and fairness, and they were a reminder to the Israelites of their responsibility to uphold His laws.
The Lord gives Joshua specific instructions regarding the laws surrounding the cities of refuge. He says that anyone who kills someone unintentionally can flee to one of these cities for protection. However, if the person leaves the city of refuge, they are no longer under the protection of the law and can be killed by the avenger of blood (the family member of the victim seeking justice).
The person seeking refuge must stand trial and present their case to the elders of the city. If it is found that the death was unintentional, the person must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. This ensured that the person would not be harmed by the avenger of blood. However, if it is found that the death was intentional, the person must be handed over to the avenger of blood for punishment.
These laws were meant to prevent blood feuds and promote justice and fairness. They also served as a reminder that all life is precious and should be protected. The cities of refuge were a way for the Israelites to show their obedience to God's commandments and to seek His justice and mercy in times of trouble.
Throughout the Book of Joshua, we see the importance of obedience to God's commandments. In this chapter, we see that even in difficult situations, such as accidentally causing someone's death, God provided a way for His people to seek refuge and justice. However, this was only possible if they followed His instructions and remained within the designated cities.
God's commandments are not meant to restrict us, but rather to protect us and guide us towards a life of righteousness. The cities of refuge were a physical representation of this concept. They were a place of safety and protection, but they also required obedience and adherence to the law.
In addition, the cities of refuge also foreshadowed the ultimate refuge that we have in Christ. Just as the cities of refuge provided protection for those seeking refuge, Jesus is our ultimate refuge and protection from sin and death. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and have a place of safety in Him.
Chapter 20 of the Book of Joshua teaches us about God's justice and mercy. It shows us that even in times of trouble and difficulty, God provides a way for us to seek refuge and justice. The establishment of cities of refuge also highlights the importance of seeking justice and protecting the innocent.
This chapter also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The cities of refuge were a reminder to the Israelites to follow God's laws and to trust in His justice and mercy. It also foreshadows the ultimate refuge we have in Jesus, who offers us protection and redemption from sin and death.
Overall, Chapter 20 of the Book of Joshua teaches us about God's character and His desire for His people to live in righteousness and obedience. It also reminds us of the importance of seeking justice and protecting the innocent, and the ultimate refuge we have in Christ. As we continue to read and study the Bible, may we always remember the lessons and principles taught in this chapter.
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