Joshua 20 - L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

  • Joshua 20:1-9 open_in_new

    SIX CITIES OF REFUGE

    (vs.1-9)

    God had before directed that He would appoint six cities of refuge in Israel (Numbers 35:9-15), and now that Israel is settled in the land these cities are to be designated. They were to be places of safety for anyone who had accidentally or unintentionally killed another person (v.3). For a near relative of the victim might desire to avenge this wrong by killing the guilty party, but if the person fled to a city of refuge he would be safe from the avenger.

    In the gate of the city (the place of judgment) he could declare his case before the elders, and if it was established that he was not guilty of murder, he was to be welcomed into the city, where the avenger of blood was not permitted to touch him (v.4). Numbers 35:16-19 makes it clear, however, that he must be given no refuge in that city if his case was one of actual murder, and the avenger of blood could put him to death.

    Above all, the person killed reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Was His death a premeditated case of deliberate murder? On the part of some, yes, for religious leaders were absolutely hateful toward Him and plotted beforehand to kill Him (Luke 6:11; John 11:53). But there were those who did not understand the horror of this rejection of the Son of God, as we learn from the Lord's words from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). Peter also, in speaking to the common people of Israel in Acts 3:17 tells them, "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers." So there were even some rulers who had opportunity to virtually flee to a city of refuge. Many responded to Peter's words and found refuge by receiving the Lord Jesus as Savior. All mankind is responsible for the death of the Lord Jesus, and all who receive Him now will find that His death is actually the means of their salvation. But those who maintain a hateful attitude of refusing Him will find not refuge, but only a fearful expectation of judgment.

    The man-slayer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, when he was allowed to return to his own city and house (v.6). It seems that this may refer to the ending of the Lord's work in Heaven as High Priest, and Israel's restoration to blessing at the end of the Tribulation period, when Israel as a nation will be publicly exonerated from their guilt of centuries in having rejected and crucified their Messiah.

    The six cities chosen are listed below:

    (West of Jordan) (East of Jordan)

    1. Kadesh meaning "Sanctuary 6. Golan, meaning "immigration

    Speaking of Safety Inferring our Prospect

    2. Shechem, meaning "Shoulder" 5. Ramoh, meaning "high places"

    Indicating Certainty Believers' heavenly position

    3. Hebron (meaning "communion") 4. Bezer, meaning "precious"

    Emphasizing Enjoyment The Person of Christ.

    All the meanings of these cities are wonderfully consistent with the perfect refuge that is provided for confessed sinners saved through the blood of Jesus. The sanctuary (Kadesh) is the presence of God, a place of perfect safety. Then Shechem (shoulder) reminds us of the Lord Jesus carrying the sheep that was lost on His shoulders, the place of strength, of certainty, or security. Hebron then (communion) gives the added sweetness of fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).

    When these three truths are experienced, this brings us to Bezer, "precious," to realize the living joy of seeing all beauty and all blessing in the person of Christ Himself, -- not only to appreciate what He gives, but to appreciate Him. Then from Bezer in the south we go northward to Ramah, "high places," to learn that not only is Christ precious to God, but "in Christ" believers too are so precious as to be accepted in the Beloved and "blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" in Him (Ephesians 1:3-6). Lastly, Golan, "immigration" reminds us that we are to very soon immigrate to "a better country, that is, a heavenly country" (Hebrews 11:16), for though our position now is heavenly, we still Wait to be actually taken to heaven at the coming of the Lord. Wonderful prospect!