What does Joshua 20:2 mean?
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:" - Joshua 20:2
Joshua 20:2 (KJV) states: "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses."
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of Joshua, which documents the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The verse comes at a crucial point in the story, as Joshua is leading the Israelites in the division of the land among the tribes. The concept of cities of refuge is an important aspect of the Israelites' justice system, designed to provide a place of safety for individuals who accidentally commit manslaughter.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. In the preceding chapters, we see the land being divided among the tribes of Israel, as they receive their allotted inheritance. This process is guided by the Lord, as he commands Joshua to distribute the land according to his instructions. In the midst of the division, the Lord instructs Joshua to set apart cities of refuge, which would serve as a place of refuge for individuals who had unintentionally killed someone.
The theme of justice and mercy is central to this verse. The cities of refuge serve as a means of ensuring that justice is administered fairly, even in cases of accidental wrongdoing. The need for such cities underscores the value that God places on human life and the importance of upholding justice in society. By appointing these cities, God ensures that those who commit accidental manslaughter would have a safe haven and a fair trial, rather than facing vigilantism or retribution.
Additionally, the concept of cities of refuge also reflects the theme of God's protection and provision. The establishment of these cities demonstrates God's care for his people, as he provides a place of refuge for those in need. This serves as a reminder that God is a just and merciful God, who desires to see his people treated fairly and to provide for their needs, even in times of distress or trouble.
Symbolically, the cities of refuge can also be seen as a representation of Christ as our ultimate refuge. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as our refuge and stronghold, providing safety and salvation to all who turn to him. The establishment of the cities of refuge in the Old Testament foreshadows the ultimate refuge and salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. Just as the cities of refuge provided a place of safety for those in need, Jesus offers refuge and salvation to all who come to him in faith.
In conclusion, Joshua 20:2 (KJV) conveys important themes of justice, mercy, and God's protection. The establishment of cities of refuge serves as a demonstration of God's care for his people and his desire for justice to be upheld in society. The concept of cities of refuge also foreshadows the ultimate refuge and salvation found in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is both just and merciful, and that he provides a place of safety and refuge for those in need.
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Joshua 20:2 - "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:"
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:" - Joshua 20:2
Joshua 2:20 - "And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear."
Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."
Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"
"The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 20:1
Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"
Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"
Joshua 15:20 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families."
Joshua 12:20 - "The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;"
"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20
"And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear." - Joshua 2:20
Joshua 10:20 - "And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities."
"And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal." - Joshua 4:20
Joshua 9:2 - "That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord."
Joshua 18:20 - "And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families."
Joshua 6:20 – "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed."
Joshua 20:7 - "¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah."
"This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families." - Joshua 15:20
"And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth," - Joshua 13:20
Joshua 20:3 - "That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood."
Joshua 2:9
Joshua 21:20 - "¶ And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim."
"The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;" - Joshua 12:20
Joshua 5:2 - "¶ At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time."
Joshua 23:2 - "And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age:"
Joshua 6:2 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."