In Joshua 20, we encounter one of the most intriguing and often overlooked provisions that God made for His people Israel—the establishment of cities of refuge. These weren’t ordinary cities; they served a very specific and remarkable purpose. God instructed Joshua to designate certain towns as places of safety and shelter for individuals who accidentally took another person’s life. These “cities of refuge” provided protection against the vengeance of grieving relatives.
This practice might seem peculiar to our western mindset today. Yet, in ancient Near Eastern culture, the principle of blood vengeance (“go’el ha-dam,” literally “redeemer of blood”) was firmly rooted as an obligation for the nearest relative to avenge the unjust killing of their kin. Amazingly, God’s provision was meant to temper this cultural practice, preventing injustice and promoting mercy. These cities became places of impartial judgment, safety from rash retaliation, and hope for those facing desperate situations.
Cross-reference to consider: Numbers 35:9–28; Deuteronomy 19:1–13
Notice how clear and balanced the requirements were. Firstly, the individual seeking refuge would announce his innocence at the city gate to the elders. The gate was culturally significant—ancient gates were public gathering places where elders deliberated legal and social issues. Secondly, he would stand trial; only if he were found free of malicious intent could he enjoy the full protection of the city until the death of the high priest.
Here we see theological themes deeply embedded in Israel’s civil law—themes echoed throughout Scripture. We encounter justice balanced beautifully by mercy. God’s holiness called for fair judgment, but His compassionate heart also provided sanctuary and grace for unintended failure.
Do you see the beautiful prefiguration of Christ here? The cities of refuge hint toward a greater refuge who was to come—our Lord Jesus, who took upon Himself the full burden of guilt to redeem the guilty.
Augustine once insightfully remarked that the Law’s human mediators, like the high priest whose death signaled the end of exile for those who fled, symbolize how “Christ is both our sanctuary and our sacrifice.” In this sense, the “refuge” cities prophetically anticipated our Lord, whose sacrificial death liberates us from eternal condemnation.
Cross-reference to consider: Hebrews 6:18; Psalm 85:10 (“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”—King James Version)
The location of these cities was strategically intentional. Three cities were stationed west of the Jordan River (Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron), and three east of it (Bezer, Ramoth-Gilead, and Golan). Archaeological evidence confirms these were well-known and easily accessible settlements positioned prominently throughout the land. Jewish tradition holds that roads leading to these cities were diligently maintained and clearly marked for swift travel, highlighting how seriously Israel took this provision.
What a powerful picture this paints—the way to refuge was never obscure or blocked. In the same way today, God makes the salvation He offers through Christ clearly available, removing man-made barriers and providing unmistakable signs through Scripture, the testimony of saints, and the guidance of His Spirit.
The Hebrew word particularly intriguing here is “miqlat” (מִקְלָט), meaning “refuge,” “asylum,” or “sanctuary,” emphasizing safety and security. The careful repetition emphasizes God’s sincere heart for justice and mercy.
Consider for a moment how this relates to our spiritual journey. Do you run quickly to Christ in times of trouble, knowing peace, justice, and mercy await you there? Do you extend the same mercy and grace to others who unwittingly wrong you, remembering how much you’ve been forgiven? Can people easily identify you as a “city of refuge,” approachable in your compassion, your fairness, your patience with human weakness?
Joshua 20 beckons us to delight in mercy and justice, remembering how God has graciously provided the ultimate sanctuary in Christ. Let this truth shape your interactions today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your profound heart of justice and compassion. You have offered us refuge from condemnation through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Teach us, Lord, to reflect Your mercy and justice well, building pathways of compassion and grace clearly visible to others. Transform us daily into people who offer shelter, understanding, and godly kindness—bright witnesses to Your redeeming love. In the precious name of Jesus, our eternal refuge, Amen.