Joshua 20

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God commanding Joshua to designate cities of refuge, where those who unintentionally killed someone could flee to avoid being killed by the avenger of blood. Six cities were chosen, three on each side of the Jordan River. The chapter explains the process of how someone could claim refuge in one of these cities and how the case would be judged by the elders of the city. If the person was found guilty of murder, they would be handed over to the avenger of blood, but if they were found innocent, they would be allowed to stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. The chapter concludes with the establishment of these cities, providing a safe haven for those who were guilty of unintentional manslaughter. Key verses such as Joshua 20:3 and Joshua 20:9 highlight the purpose and function of these cities.

Context for the Chapter

Joshua chapter 20 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, where God is establishing the Israelites in the Promised Land. The chapter fits into the book of Joshua as a whole, which is about the transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land. The establishment of cities of refuge is an important part of this transition, as it provides a way for the Israelites to deal with cases of unintentional killing. This chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, where God's character as a God of justice and compassion is highlighted.

Heart Application

The concept of cities of refuge in Joshua 20 has practical applications for us today. It reminds us that we all need a refuge, a place of safety where we can flee from the consequences of our actions. This refuge is found in Christ, who is our high priest and advocate before God. We can apply this to our lives by recognizing our need for Christ and fleeing to Him for refuge.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua chapter 20 is about the cities of refuge that God established in the Promised Land. These cities were a safe haven for people who had killed someone accidentally, where they could flee to avoid being killed by the avenger of blood. The chapter highlights God's provision for justice and mercy, and it points to Christ as our ultimate refuge and high priest, as seen in Joshua 20:3.

Voices from the Church

“The cities of refuge were a beautiful picture of the gospel, where Christ is our refuge from the wrath of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The high priest's death marked the end of the period of refuge for those who had fled to the cities, just as Christ's death marks the end of our period of refuge from God's wrath.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:1-4) — The chapter begins with God commanding Joshua to designate cities of refuge, where those who unintentionally killed someone could flee to avoid being killed by the avenger of blood.
2. Process of Claiming Refuge (Joshua 20:5-6) — The chapter explains the process of how someone could claim refuge in one of these cities and how the case would be judged by the elders of the city.
3. Role of the High Priest (Joshua 20:7-9) — The high priest played a crucial role in the process of claiming refuge in a city of refuge, as their death marked the end of the period of refuge for those who had fled there.
4. Establishment of Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:10-13) — The chapter concludes with the establishment of the cities of refuge, providing a safe haven for those who were guilty of unintentional manslaughter.
5. Conclusion (Joshua 20:14) — The chapter ends with a summary of the establishment of the cities of refuge, highlighting God's provision for justice and mercy.

Core Doctrines

God's Justice

The chapter highlights God's provision for justice, as seen in the establishment of cities of refuge. This shows that God is concerned with both justice and compassion.

Christ as Refuge

The concept of cities of refuge points to Christ as our ultimate refuge and high priest, who provides a way for us to be reconciled to God.

Importance of Fair Trial

The chapter emphasizes the importance of a fair trial, where the case of the person who has killed someone is judged by the elders of the city. This ensures that justice is administered properly.

Role of the High Priest

The high priest plays a significant role in the process of claiming refuge in a city of refuge, as their death marks the end of the period of refuge for those who have fled there.

Lessons from Joshua 20

1. God's Provision for Justice — The chapter highlights God's provision for justice, as seen in the establishment of cities of refuge. This shows that God is concerned with both justice and compassion.
2. Importance of Fair Trial — The chapter emphasizes the importance of a fair trial, where the case of the person who has killed someone is judged by the elders of the city. This ensures that justice is administered properly.
3. Christ as Refuge — The concept of cities of refuge points to Christ as our ultimate refuge and high priest, who provides a way for us to be reconciled to God.
4. Role of the High Priest — The high priest plays a significant role in the process of claiming refuge in a city of refuge, as their death marks the end of the period of refuge for those who have fled there.
5. Application to Our Lives — The concept of cities of refuge can be applied to our lives today, as we recognize our need for Christ as our refuge and high priest.

Themes from Joshua 20

1. God's Justice — The chapter highlights God's provision for justice, as seen in the establishment of cities of refuge. This shows that God is concerned with both justice and compassion.
2. Christ as Refuge — The concept of cities of refuge points to Christ as our ultimate refuge and high priest, who provides a way for us to be reconciled to God.
3. Importance of Fair Trial — The chapter emphasizes the importance of a fair trial, where the case of the person who has killed someone is judged by the elders of the city. This ensures that justice is administered properly.
4. Role of the High Priest — The high priest plays a significant role in the process of claiming refuge in a city of refuge, as their death marks the end of the period of refuge for those who have fled there.
5. God's Heart for Justice and Mercy — The establishment of cities of refuge reveals God's heart for justice and mercy, and how He provides a way for people to receive justice and compassion.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the cities of refuge in Joshua 20, and how do they relate to Christ as our ultimate refuge?
2. How does the concept of a fair trial in Joshua 20 relate to the importance of justice in our lives today?
3. What is the role of the high priest in the process of claiming refuge in a city of refuge, and how does this relate to Christ's role as our high priest?
4. How can we apply the concept of cities of refuge to our lives today, and what does this say about God's character as a God of justice and compassion?
5. What does the establishment of cities of refuge reveal about God's heart for justice and mercy, and how can we reflect this in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Joshua 20

	Sermon	Description
	Cities of Refuge by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ and leading others to salvation. He compares believers to markers and witnesses, pointing people
	What Must I Do to Be Saved? by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody passionately addresses the critical question of salvation, emphasizing that conversion is an instantaneous act where one moves from death to life through faith in Christ
	The City of Refuge. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar preaches on the concept of cities of refuge as a divine provision for sinners, illustrating how these cities symbolize the salvation found in Christ. He emphasizes tha
	Improve God's Name by Ralph Erskine	Ralph Erskine preaches on the significance of God's name in salvation, emphasizing how God's mercy and goodness are displayed for the sake of His name. Believers are encouraged to
	Joshua Chapter 11 the Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision of cities of refuge in ancient Israel as a powerful symbol of His love and mercy for sinners. He illustrates how these cities were designed
	The Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision for sinners through the cities of refuge, illustrating how these ancient sanctuaries symbolize the grace and mercy available in Christ. He h

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 20

In this chapter, we see the gracious provision of God for the safety and security of His people. The establishment of cities of refuge is a beautiful picture of the gospel, where Christ is our refuge from the wrath of God. The high priest's death marks the end of the period of refuge for those who have fled to the cities, just as Christ's death marks the end of our period of refuge from God's wrath. The chapter highlights the importance of a fair trial and the role of the high priest in the process of claiming refuge. As Matthew Henry notes, the cities of refuge were a 'gracious provision for the security of those who had slain any person unawares and unintentionally'. This provision is a testament to God's heart for justice and mercy, and points to Christ as our ultimate refuge and high priest. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?