Joshua 20:1–9 – Refuge, Responsibility, and the Righteous Judge
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Say to the people of Israel, Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses…'”
— Joshua 20:1
🏃♂️ Running for Your Life
Imagine the sun beating down on your back, your heart pounding in your chest. You’ve just taken someone’s life—by accident—but the blood avenger is coming. His duty is clear: redeem the blood of his kin. Your only hope is to flee before he finds you. There’s no time to explain. You must run—to a city of refuge.
Joshua 20 records the establishment of six cities of refuge—safe havens for the manslayer, places of justice and mercy balanced in divine wisdom.
These cities weren’t human inventions. They were God-ordained, grace-filled spaces in a land full of brokenness and bloodshed. And they still speak powerfully to us today.
📜 God’s Law and Mercy: The Origin of Refuge Cities
The idea of cities of refuge was first introduced in Numbers 35 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 19. God knew that in a fallen world, even accidents have consequences—and tempers can spark into vengeance.
In ancient Israel, justice was personal. If someone was killed, a near relative—the “avenger of blood” (goel haddam)—was expected to exact retribution. But what if the death was unintentional? How could justice be served without committing another injustice?
God’s answer: build cities of refuge—designated places where the accused could flee, stand trial, and live under protection until the high priest died.
These cities were not loopholes for murderers. They were lifelines for those whose actions, though tragic, were not criminal. They were proof that God cares not only about guilt, but also about intent.
📍 The Locations and Purpose of the Six Cities
Joshua 20:7–8 lists the six cities:
- Kedesh in Naphtali (Galilee in the north)
- Shechem in Ephraim (central hill country)
- Kiriath-arba (Hebron) in Judah (southern region)
- Bezer in Reuben (east of the Jordan)
- Ramoth in Gilead (in Gad’s territory)
- Golan in Bashan (land of Manasseh)
They were spread evenly—three on each side of the Jordan—so that no one in Israel would be far from refuge. According to rabbinic tradition, roads to these cities were always kept in good repair, clearly marked with signs that read “Refuge! Refuge!”
What a picture of the gospel: access, urgency, clarity. God wanted no confusion about where to run in time of need.
✝️ The Cities of Refuge as a Type of Christ
Every detail in the cities of refuge points to the ministry of Jesus:
- 🏃♂️ The manslayer fled to the city— we flee to Christ for safety.
- ⚖️ There, he stood trial— our sins are judged in Christ’s cross.
- 👑 He remained under protection— we abide in Christ until death is swallowed in victory.
- ⛪ The high priest’s death set the manslayer free— Christ, our High Priest, died once for all to set us free forever.
Hebrews 6:18–20 speaks of us who “have fled for refuge” to Christ, anchoring our hope in the presence behind the veil.
Jesus is our better refuge—our eternal city, our protector, our mercy seat, and our righteous judge.
📖 Word Study: “Refuge” (Hebrew: מִקְלָט miqlat)
The word miqlat means “shelter, asylum, escape.” It is used only for these cities, reinforcing the idea that they were set apart—not merely as shelters, but as sacred stations of justice saturated with grace.
The Septuagint translates it with the Greek word phygē (fleeing), the same root used in Hebrews 6:18:
“We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”
— Hebrews 6:18
Refuge is more than shelter. It is hope in motion.
🪞 A God Who Balances Justice and Mercy
God is just. He hates bloodshed. Life matters to Him. But He is also merciful—He knows our frailty, our mistakes, and our potential for both harm and healing.
The cities of refuge demonstrate that justice must be pursued, but never at the expense of mercy. And mercy must be extended, but never without regard for truth.
God does not ignore the death of the innocent—or the pain of the guilty. He provides a place where both truth and grace can dwell together.
“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
— Psalm 85:10
The cross of Christ is the true City of Refuge, where judgment and mercy embrace.
💡 Life Application: Are You Fleeing to Christ?
1. Guilt Requires Urgency
The manslayer didn’t stroll to the city—he ran. When we sin, delay only deepens danger. Run quickly to the cross. Don’t rationalize. Don’t wait. Flee to mercy.
2. God’s Refuge Is Always Accessible
The cities were never far away. Neither is Christ. “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). Wherever you are, the way of salvation is open.
3. You Must Enter the Gate
Knowing where the city is won’t save you. You must step inside. Salvation is not intellectual—it’s personal. Have you entered Christ by faith?
4. You Must Remain in the Refuge
The manslayer had to abide in the city until the high priest’s death. Christ calls us not only to be saved, but to dwell in Him. Stay close. Abide. Trust daily.
5. You Can Be Set Free Forever
The high priest’s death meant freedom for the fugitive. Jesus, our Great High Priest, died once for all—and now lives forever. In Him, our guilt is covered, and our release is secured.
🧱 The Refuge Becomes a Witness
These cities weren’t just places of protection—they were places of proclamation. They told every Israelite (and us) something profound:
There is hope for the guilty. There is grace for the broken. There is a place to run.
And you, dear believer, are called to point others to that place. Like the signs that marked the way to refuge, your life should say: “Here is mercy. Here is Christ.”
💬 Questions for Reflection
- Am I running to Christ—or from Him—when I sin?
- Have I truly entered into refuge through faith in Christ?
- Do I live in a way that points others to God’s mercy?
🕊️ Final Word
Joshua 20 may seem like ancient justice protocol—but it’s actually a gospel lighthouse. It reminds us that God does not leave the guilty to their fate, nor does He leave victims without recourse.
Instead, He makes a way—a city, a cross, a Savior. He makes Himself our Refuge.
Run to Him. Stay in Him. Point others toward Him.
For the avenger of blood is real—but so is the Righteous Judge who became our shelter.
Next up: Post 22 – “Levites in the Land: Ministry Planted Among the People” (Joshua 21:1–45)
