Bible Commentaries
Joshua 20

Introduction

Overview

Joshua 20:1, God commands, Joshua 20:7, and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge.

Verse 1

spake: Joshua 5:14, Joshua 6:2, Joshua 7:10, Joshua 13:1-7

Verse 2

Appoint: Exodus 21:13, Exodus 21:14, Numbers 35:6, Numbers 35:11-14, Deuteronomy 4:41-43, Deuteronomy 19:2-13, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 6:19

you refuge: Numbers 35:15-24

Verse 3

Reciprocal: Numbers 35:12 - from the avenger Numbers 35:19 - General Numbers 35:22 - General 2 Samuel 14:11 - the revengers Hebrews 6:18 - who

Verse 4

at the entering: Ruth 4:1, Ruth 4:2, Job 5:4, Job 29:7, Proverbs 31:23, Jeremiah 38:7

take: Psalms 26:9

that he may: Hebrews 6:18

Reciprocal: Exodus 33:21 - place by Numbers 35:12 - until he stand Joshua 20:9 - until he stood

Verse 5

Numbers 35:12, Numbers 35:25

Reciprocal: Numbers 35:19 - General Numbers 35:22 - General Deuteronomy 19:6 - the avenger Romans 13:4 - revenger

Verse 6

until: Numbers 35:12, Numbers 35:24, Numbers 35:25, Hebrews 9:26

Reciprocal: Joshua 20:9 - until he stood

Verse 7

appointed: Heb. sanctified

Kedesh: Kedesh, called Cadesa, or Caidesa, by Josephus, was situated in Upper Galilee, twenty miles south-east from Tyre, according to Eusebius. The cities of refuge were distributed through the land at proper distances from each other, that they might be convenient to every part of the land; and it is said they were situated on eminences, that they might be easily seen at a distance; the roads leading to them being broad, even, and always kept in good repair. Kedesh and Hebron were at the two extremities of the land, the former being in Galilee, and the latter in Judah, both in mountainous districts, and Shechem was in mount Ephraim, nearly in the centre. Bezer was east of Jordan, in the eastern part of the plain opposite Jericho; Ramoth was about the midst of the country of the two tribes and a half, being about the middle of the mountains of Gilead; and Golan, the capital of Gaulonitis, was situated in the tribe of Manasseh, in the land of Bashan. As this institution is considered as a type of Christ, some expositors observe a significancy in the names of these cities with application to Him as Our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, "and the government is upon his shoulder." Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all them that trust in him. Ramoth, high, or exalted, for him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy, or exultation, for in him all the saints are justified, and shall glory. Joshua 21:32, 1 Chronicles 6:76

Shechem: Joshua 21:21, Genesis 33:18, Genesis 33:19, 2 Chronicles 10:1

Kirjatharba: Joshua 14:15, Joshua 21:11, Joshua 21:13

mountain: Luke 1:39

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:6 - Sichem Genesis 23:2 - Kirjatharba Numbers 35:14 - three cities Deuteronomy 19:9 - then shalt thou Joshua 17:7 - Shechem Joshua 17:18 - the mountain Joshua 19:37 - Kedesh 1 Kings 9:11 - of Galilee 1 Kings 12:1 - Shechem 2 Kings 15:29 - Kedesh 1 Chronicles 6:57 - the city of refuge 1 Chronicles 6:67 - Shechem 2 Chronicles 11:10 - Hebron Psalms 60:6 - Shechem Psalms 108:7 - Shechem Jeremiah 4:15 - mount Ephraim Matthew 4:15 - Galilee Mark 3:7 - Galilee

Verse 8

Bezer: Joshua 21:36, Deuteronomy 4:43, 1 Chronicles 6:78

Ramoth: Joshua 21:38, 1 Kings 22:3, 1 Kings 22:4, 1 Kings 22:6, 1 Chronicles 6:80

Golan: Joshua 21:27

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 19:9 - then shalt thou Joshua 13:26 - Ramathmizpeh 1 Kings 4:13 - Ramothgilead 1 Chronicles 6:71 - Golan 1 Chronicles 6:73 - Ramoth 2 Chronicles 18:2 - Ramothgilead

Verse 9

the cities: Numbers 35:15

until he stood: Joshua 20:4, Joshua 20:6

Reciprocal: Numbers 35:12 - from the avenger Romans 13:4 - revenger