Overview:

Joshua 20 records God’s command to establish cities of refuge, a provision made to protect those who accidentally caused the death of another person. These cities serve as sanctuaries where the accused can flee for safety, receiving protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial is conducted. Joshua designates six cities of refuge—three on each side of the Jordan River. The purpose of these cities highlights God’s justice, mercy, and provision for those in need, reflecting His heart for justice tempered with compassion.

Key themes include God’s provision for justice, His mercy for those in need, and the importance of a fair legal process within the community of faith.

Historical and Literary Context:

The cities of refuge were part of the Mosaic law given in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19, with specific instructions for setting apart these sanctuaries. The concept of the cities of refuge reflects the cultural norms of justice in ancient Israel, where the “avenger of blood”—usually a family member—had a traditional right to avenge a wrongful death. However, God’s law made a distinction between accidental and intentional killing, providing these cities as a refuge for those who unintentionally caused death. This provision ensured that justice was tempered with mercy, allowing for a fair trial rather than immediate retaliation. The cities of refuge remained in effect throughout Israel’s history, symbolizing God’s justice and mercy.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

God’s Provision for Justice and Mercy:

The cities of refuge demonstrate God’s commitment to justice by offering a place of safety for those accused of manslaughter. God provides these cities as a means to protect life, while also ensuring that justice is served through a fair process.

For Christians, this theme highlights God’s balance of justice and mercy. Micah 6:8 calls believers “to act justly and to love mercy,” reminding them that God values both fairness and compassion.

The Value of Life and Sanctity of Innocence:

By differentiating between intentional murder and accidental killing, God underscores the importance of the sanctity of life. The cities of refuge provide a space for the innocent to find protection, ensuring that they are not wrongly punished.

For Christians, this theme reflects the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of life. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks to the value of each life, encouraging believers to honor and protect the lives of others.

The Role of the Community in Justice:

The establishment of cities of refuge within Israelite territory ensures that justice is accessible to all. The community plays an active role in upholding God’s laws, providing both sanctuary and a system for fair trials.

For Christians, this theme emphasizes the responsibility of the community to uphold justice and offer protection. Galatians 6:2 urges believers to “carry each other’s burdens,” reinforcing the importance of community support in times of need.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Joshua 20:1-2:

“Then the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses.’”

God speaks to Joshua, reaffirming His earlier command to establish cities of refuge. This instruction underscores the continuity of God’s law, from Moses to Joshua, showing His consistency in caring for His people’s needs.

For Christians, this passage highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands,” reminding believers of the value of following God’s instructions as an expression of love.

Joshua 20:3:

“…so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.”

The purpose of the cities of refuge is outlined: to protect those who cause accidental death. This provision prevents immediate retaliation, allowing the accused to find safety and undergo a fair trial.

For Christians, this verse emphasizes God’s heart for mercy. Matthew 5:7 states, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” encouraging believers to extend compassion and understanding to others.

Joshua 20:4:

“When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them.”

The accused must present their case to the city elders, who will decide whether to grant sanctuary. This process ensures that the person receives fair treatment and establishes the community’s role in upholding justice.

For Christians, this passage highlights the importance of community involvement in justice. Proverbs 31:9 encourages believers to “defend the rights of the poor and needy,” underscoring the role of the community in protecting and serving one another.

Joshua 20:5:

“If the avenger of blood comes in pursuit, the elders must not surrender the fugitive, because they killed their neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought.”

The elders are instructed to protect the accused from the avenger, recognizing that the killing was unintentional. This provision reflects God’s justice, ensuring that the accused are not punished without cause.

For Christians, this verse demonstrates the importance of protecting the innocent. Zechariah 7:9 calls believers to “administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another,” emphasizing the balance of justice and mercy.

Joshua 20:6:

“They are to stay in that city until they have stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who is serving at that time. Then they may go back to their own home in the town from which they fled.”

The accused must remain in the city of refuge until a trial determines their innocence or guilt. If found innocent, they must remain until the death of the high priest, after which they are free to return home. The high priest’s death serves as a form of symbolic atonement, releasing the accused from their exile.

For Christians, this passage points to the concept of atonement and freedom through a mediator. Hebrews 9:15 teaches that Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, offering believers freedom from sin and guilt through His sacrifice.

Joshua 20:7-9:

“So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. On the east side of the Jordan of Jericho they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh. Any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated cities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.”

Joshua designates six cities of refuge, evenly distributed across Israel to ensure accessibility. These cities are open not only to Israelites but also to foreigners, reflecting God’s inclusive provision of justice and mercy for all.

For Christians, this passage illustrates God’s impartiality and care for all people. Romans 2:11 reminds believers that “God does not show favoritism,” encouraging them to extend justice and mercy to all, regardless of background.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Joshua 20 illustrates God’s justice and mercy, providing protection for those in need of refuge. The cities of refuge foreshadow Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate refuge for all who seek forgiveness and redemption. Just as the cities of refuge provided safety from physical harm, Jesus offers eternal protection and salvation from the consequences of sin. Hebrews 6:18-19 describes Jesus as “a strong consolation” and “a hope as an anchor for the soul,” affirming that He is the spiritual refuge for those who trust in Him. The atonement linked to the high priest’s death also prefigures Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest, whose sacrificial death provides freedom and release from sin.

Through Jesus, believers find forgiveness and a place of safety, knowing that He is both just and merciful. Like the cities of refuge, Jesus offers protection to all—Israelite and foreigner alike—inviting everyone into God’s care and sanctuary. His sacrifice ensures that those who come to Him in faith are no longer condemned but find true freedom and peace.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Finding Refuge in God’s Justice and Mercy: Lessons from the Cities of Refuge”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of justice, mercy, and refuge as demonstrated through the cities of refuge in Joshua 20.
   • Emphasize God’s desire to provide safety and fairness for His people, offering protection for the innocent and a path to justice.
2. God’s Justice and Mercy in Provision for Refuge (Joshua 20:1-3)
   • Discuss the purpose of the cities of refuge, highlighting God’s balance of justice and mercy in providing sanctuary for those accused of accidental death.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to reflect both justice and mercy (Micah 6:8).
3. The Role of Community in Upholding Justice (Joshua 20:4-6)
   • Examine the role of the community in protecting the innocent and ensuring fair trials, emphasizing the importance of communal support in times of need.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are encouraged to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
4. Jesus as Our Ultimate Refuge (Joshua 20:7-9)
   • Highlight the cities of refuge as a foreshadowing of Christ, who provides ultimate refuge and salvation for all who seek Him.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are invited to find protection and forgiveness in Jesus, the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 6:18-19).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the call to uphold justice, extend mercy, and seek refuge in Christ, knowing that God provides safety and peace for all who come to Him.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone who experienced refuge and protection in God’s care, illustrating the comfort found in Christ’s provision.
• Global Example: Many cultures have places or practices of refuge for those in need of protection. Relate this to the biblical concept of sanctuary and the ultimate refuge found in Jesus.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Joshua 20 calls today’s believers to:

• Reflect God’s Justice and Mercy: The establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God’s balance of justice and mercy. Believers are called to seek justice and extend compassion to those in need.
• Offer Support to Others in Times of Need: The role of the community in protecting the innocent reminds believers of the importance of supporting one another, especially those facing injustice or hardship.
• Find Refuge in Christ, the Ultimate Sanctuary: The cities of refuge foreshadow Jesus, who invites believers to find forgiveness and safety in Him. Believers are encouraged to seek Him as their spiritual refuge and rest.

Connection to the Father in Joshua 20:

God the Father’s justice and mercy are evident in His provision of the cities of refuge. His care for the innocent and desire to prevent unjust punishment reflect His loving and protective nature. Believers today find strength in knowing that God provides for those in need, inviting them into His safe and compassionate care.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Joshua 20:

The cities of refuge point to Jesus as the ultimate refuge and sanctuary. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides a place of safety for all who seek forgiveness. In Him, believers find freedom from condemnation and a safe haven from the consequences of sin. Jesus fulfills the role of the high priest whose death atones for sin, offering redemption and a secure place in God’s family.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Joshua 20:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out God’s justice and mercy, guiding them to protect and support those in need. Just as the community upholds the cities of refuge, the Spirit leads believers to act as a support system, offering refuge and encouragement to others.

Connection to God’s Love in Joshua 20:

God’s love is shown through His provision of refuge for the vulnerable. By establishing cities of refuge, He reveals His compassion and commitment to justice, desiring safety for all who seek Him. Through Christ, God’s love is fully revealed, offering believers eternal refuge in His presence.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the concept of the cities of refuge deepen your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
2. In what ways can you offer support to others who are facing hardship or injustice?
3. How can the role of the high priest in Israel foreshadow Christ’s sacrifice and role as our refuge?
4. What steps can you take to ensure that your community reflects God’s justice and compassion?
5. How does understanding God’s provision for refuge and protection strengthen your confidence in His love?