“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.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the events that took place after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the cities of refuge are being discussed. These cities were designated as places of sanctuary for individuals who accidentally caused the death of another person. The cities of refuge provided a safe haven for the unintentional offender until they could stand before the congregation and receive a fair trial.
God’s justice and mercy: The establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates the balance of God’s justice and mercy. While the Israelite society recognized the seriousness of taking a life, they also understood that accidents could happen. The cities of refuge allowed individuals to find protection from those seeking vengeance and ensured that a fair judgment could be made regarding the situation. It revealed God’s concern for both justice and mercy in dealing with human lives.
Protecting the stranger: The verse mentions that the cities of refuge were not only appointed for the children of Israel but also for the stranger or foreigner who lived among them. This highlights God’s impartiality and care for all people, regardless of their nationality or background. It underscores the principle that justice and protection should be extended to everyone, including foreigners living within the community.
Waiting for the congregation: The person who accidentally caused the death of another was to flee to a city of refuge and remain there until they could stand before the congregation. This emphasizes the importance of a fair trial and the involvement of the community in determining the outcome of such cases. The congregation would ensure that justice was served and that all relevant parties had the opportunity to present their case. It discouraged hasty judgment and promoted a fair and transparent legal process.
Spiritual application: While Joshua 20:9 has a specific historical context, we can draw some spiritual lessons from it. Just as the cities of refuge provided safety and protection for those who sought it, Jesus Christ is our ultimate refuge. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and salvation from the consequences of our sins. When we unintentionally stumble and fall, we can find comfort and refuge in God’s mercy and grace. It also reminds us of the importance of seeking justice, fairness, and compassion in our dealings with others, regardless of their background or nationality.
In conclusion, Joshua 20:9 teaches us about the establishment of cities of refuge as safe havens for unintentional offenders. It reveals God’s concern for justice and mercy, His impartiality towards both Israelites and foreigners, and the significance of a fair trial. Spiritually, it points us to Jesus Christ as our refuge and highlights the importance of extending justice and compassion to others.
