Joshua 20
Today's Passage: Joshua 20
In both Exodus 21:12–13 and Numbers 35:6–24, the Lord established through Moses that Israel was to have “sanctuary cities.” Now that Israel has established their foothold in the Land, he immediately determines these six cities spread across the tribes—west of the Jordan, Kedesh (north, located in Naphtali’s allotment), Shechem (located in West Manasseh’s allotment near the Ephraim border), Kiriath-arba (“Hebron,” south, located in Judah’s allotment), and east of the Jordan it’s Bezer (south, located in Ruben’s allotment), Ramoth-gilead (located in the north east of Gad’s allotment), and Golan (north, located in East Manasseh). *Check the map below from the Holman Bible Atlas to pinpoint the locations mentioned.
There’s not a lot to this passage, but what stands out to me is the urgency for implementing the heart of God in this matter. As one commentator wrote, “To put an end to a person’s life, even if done unintentionally, is a serious thing, and the cities of refuge underscore this emphatically.” Remember, that the cities of refuge weren’t for criminal acts of murder. They were for unintentional loss of life—or even the accusation.
Retributive justice existed in most cultures—and if we’re honest, exists in our own hearts. Our most natural response is to get people back for the wrongs done against us. However, if a person murders the “manslayer” that accidentally killed a family member, then another “avenger of blood” will come for them. Violence begets more violence. Refuge cities stop the cycle of vendetta.
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Although Israel had cities of refuge, there’s no place humanity can run from sin. Cities of refuge helped to mitigate the effects of living in a fallen world, but they were only a band aid and not a solution. The Lord is our refuge and strength. These cities reflected his heart to protect the vulnerable.
We can trust the Lord’s character and his heart. We need not take justice into our own hands—as much as we may want sometimes. He is where we should run in times of trouble.
Written By: Tyler Short
In both Exodus 21:12–13 and Numbers 35:6–24, the Lord established through Moses that Israel was to have “sanctuary cities.” Now that Israel has established their foothold in the Land, he immediately determines these six cities spread across the tribes—west of the Jordan, Kedesh (north, located in Naphtali’s allotment), Shechem (located in West Manasseh’s allotment near the Ephraim border), Kiriath-arba (“Hebron,” south, located in Judah’s allotment), and east of the Jordan it’s Bezer (south, located in Ruben’s allotment), Ramoth-gilead (located in the north east of Gad’s allotment), and Golan (north, located in East Manasseh). *Check the map below from the Holman Bible Atlas to pinpoint the locations mentioned.
There’s not a lot to this passage, but what stands out to me is the urgency for implementing the heart of God in this matter. As one commentator wrote, “To put an end to a person’s life, even if done unintentionally, is a serious thing, and the cities of refuge underscore this emphatically.” Remember, that the cities of refuge weren’t for criminal acts of murder. They were for unintentional loss of life—or even the accusation.
Retributive justice existed in most cultures—and if we’re honest, exists in our own hearts. Our most natural response is to get people back for the wrongs done against us. However, if a person murders the “manslayer” that accidentally killed a family member, then another “avenger of blood” will come for them. Violence begets more violence. Refuge cities stop the cycle of vendetta.
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Although Israel had cities of refuge, there’s no place humanity can run from sin. Cities of refuge helped to mitigate the effects of living in a fallen world, but they were only a band aid and not a solution. The Lord is our refuge and strength. These cities reflected his heart to protect the vulnerable.
We can trust the Lord’s character and his heart. We need not take justice into our own hands—as much as we may want sometimes. He is where we should run in times of trouble.
Written By: Tyler Short
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