Joshua 20 (KJV)
Read Joshua chapter 20 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Joshua 20
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Joshua 20 Summary
Joshua 20 establishes the six cities of refuge as commanded in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. Three cities were designated west of the Jordan (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron) and three east (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan).
These cities ensured that someone who accidentally killed another person had a place to flee for safety and receive a fair trial. The cities were strategically placed so that no one in Israel was too far from refuge.
Key Themes
Cities of Refuge EstablishedJustice and MercyAccessibility of GraceChrist as Refuge
Key Verses in Joshua 20
"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."
— Joshua 20:9
Protection extended even to foreigners — God's mercy was not limited to Israelites alone.
Life Application
Just as no Israelite was too far from a city of refuge, no person is too far from Christ. He is always accessible, always ready to receive those who flee to Him for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the six cities of refuge?
West of Jordan: Kedesh (Naphtali), Shechem (Ephraim), Hebron (Judah). East of Jordan: Bezer (Reuben), Ramoth (Gad), Golan (Manasseh).
Who could use the cities of refuge?
Both Israelites and foreigners living among them — anyone who unintentionally killed another person could flee there for protection and trial.
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