Cities of Refuge
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Joshua
- Chapters: Joshua 20
- Summary: Six cities are appointed as refuge for anyone who kills another unintentionally.
Details
The refuge system protects the manslayer from blood vengeance until a fair hearing. Three cities stand west of the Jordan and three east of it, making mercy accessible throughout Israel’s inheritance.
Key People Involved
- Joshua (Son of Nun) — Establishes the cities
- Eleazar — Priest associated with land allotment
Key Places
- Canaan — Western refuge cities
- Jordan River — Boundary dividing the cities
Important Verses
“That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither…” — Joshua 20:3
Cross-References
- Related events: Division of the Land, Levitical Cities
- Foreshadowed in: Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19
Notes
Justice in the land includes both punishment for guilt and protection against vengeance.