King James Version

What Does Joshua 20:2 Mean?

Joshua 20:2 in the King James Version says “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of M... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1

The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,

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:

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.

4

And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Israel to establish cities of refuge, fulfilling instructions given through Moses (Numbers 35:6-34; Deuteronomy 19:1-13). The phrase 'Appoint out for you' (tenu lakhem, תְּנוּ לָכֶם) makes this a corporate responsibility—the entire nation must designate these cities. The term 'cities of refuge' (arei miklat, עָרֵי מִקְלָט) uses miklat from the root meaning to absorb or receive, indicating places of safe reception. These cities provided asylum for unintentional manslayers, preventing blood revenge while awaiting proper trial. The system balanced justice (murderers must die) with mercy (accidental killers deserve protection). Six cities were designated—three east and three west of Jordan (verses 7-8), ensuring accessibility throughout Israel. Theologically, cities of refuge typify Christ as believers' refuge from divine judgment. Just as manslayers fled to these cities for salvation from the avenger of blood, sinners flee to Christ for salvation from divine wrath. Hebrews 6:18 uses similar imagery: we 'have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.' The cities' accessibility parallels Christ's universal availability to all who come to Him in faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies practiced lex talionis (eye for eye, life for life) and blood vengeance where family members avenged murdered relatives. Without legal protections, accidental killers faced death from 'avengers of blood' (goel hadam, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם)—relatives obligated to execute vengeance. Cities of refuge prevented vigilante justice while maintaining the distinction between murder and manslaughter. The six cities—Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (west of Jordan); Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (east of Jordan)—were Levitical cities strategically located for maximum accessibility (Joshua 21:13-38). Ancient Israelite roads were maintained to these cities with clear signage (Makkot 10a in Jewish tradition), ensuring fugitives could reach safety. The manslayer remained in the refuge city until the high priest's death (Numbers 35:25-28), when he could safely return home. The high priest's death provided atonement releasing the manslayer, typologically pointing to Christ's atoning death releasing sinners from judgment. This system demonstrated Israel's sophisticated legal framework balancing justice, mercy, and communal responsibility—advanced concepts not universally present in ancient Near Eastern law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ serve as your 'city of refuge' from the judgment your sins deserve?
  2. What does the accessibility of refuge cities teach about the gospel's universal availability to all who flee to Christ?
  3. How does the high priest's death releasing the manslayer point to Christ's death accomplishing our redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי1 of 15

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 15

to the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 15

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תְּנ֤וּ6 of 15

Appoint out

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶם֙7 of 15
H0
אֶת8 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֣י9 of 15

for you cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַמִּקְלָ֔ט10 of 15

of refuge

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי12 of 15

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם13 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּיַד14 of 15

unto you by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶֽׁה׃15 of 15

of Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 20:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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