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:
Joshua 20:2 (KJV)
Context
Joshua 20 comes after the land of Canaan has been divided among the tribes of Israel. At this point, God speaks directly to Joshua and gives him a specific command. The command is not new. God reminds Joshua that He had already spoken about this matter through Moses. This shows that the instruction was part of God’s plan from earlier times, and now Joshua is to carry it out.
The command is to appoint cities of refuge. These were special towns set apart for people who accidentally killed someone. In ancient Israel, when a person died, the closest male relative, called the avenger of blood, had the duty to pursue the killer. This was a way to bring justice, but it could also lead to revenge against someone who did not mean to kill. God’s command provided a way to protect such a person.
Meaning
The phrase “by the hand of Moses” points back to the law given in the wilderness. God had already instructed Moses about these cities, as recorded in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. Now God repeats the command to Joshua, showing that His word is faithful and consistent. The cities were to be places of safety, where the accused could flee and wait for a fair trial. They were not hiding places for guilty murderers, but shelters for those who caused death unintentionally.
God’s initiative is clear. He commands Joshua to speak to the children of Israel. This shows that God cares about justice and mercy together. He does not want innocent blood to be shed, but He also does not want the guilty to escape. The cities of refuge balanced these two concerns.
Biblical connections
The cities of refuge point forward to a greater refuge. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as a place of safety for sinners. Just as the accused could flee to a city and find protection, so believers can come to Christ and find forgiveness. The writer of Hebrews speaks of fleeing for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us (Hebrews 6:18). This connection is not accidental; it shows God’s consistent character of providing a way of escape.
Application
For readers today, the principle of refuge still speaks. We all have times when we fail or cause harm, even without intending it. The cities of refuge remind us that God is a place of safety. When we confess our sins and turn to Jesus, we find mercy instead of punishment. We can also practice this principle by being people who offer protection and fairness to others, especially those who have made mistakes.
Reflection
God’s command to Joshua was not just about geography; it was about grace. He made a way for the guilty to be protected while still upholding justice. This same God invites us to come to Him for refuge. His mercy is not a contradiction of His justice, but a fulfillment of it through Christ. We can rest in the assurance that God is both just and the justifier of those who believe.
