What I Noticed Today (Joshua 20-21)
Joshua 20
Joshua 20 names the cities of refuge (mentioned previously in Exodus 21:12-24, Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 4:41, and Deuteronomy 19:1-10).
Three cities were east of the Jordan, and three cities were west just as Moses had commanded.
- West of the Jordan: Kadesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kiriath-Arba (Hebron) in Judah.
- East of the Jordan: Bezer in Reuben’s land, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan.
The individual who killed someone could flee to the city of refuge where he would undergo a trial headed by the city elders. The individual who killed someone without premeditation could stay in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest and then would be free to return home without fear of the avenger of death.
Joshua 21
Joshua 21 describes the cities given to the Levites throughout the Promised land. A total of 48 cities and their pasturelands were given to the Levites (including the six cities of refuge). It was important that the Levites live among the people.
In verses 4-8, the Levitical cities were chosen:
- 13 cities were chosen by lot for the Levites from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.
- 10 cities were chosen by lot for the Levites from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
- 13 cities were chosen by lot for the Levites from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
- 12 cities were chosen by lot for the Levites from the tribes of Reuben Gad, and Zebulun.
In verses 9-19, thirteen cities were given to the Levites from the Kohathite descendants of Aaron: nine cities in the tribes of Judah and Simeon, and four in the tribe of Benjamin.
In verses 20-26, ten more cities were given to the Levites from other branches of Kohathites in Ephraim, Dan and the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan.
In verses 27-33, thirteen cities were given to the Levites from the Gershonite descendants in the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali.
In verses 34-40, twelve cities were given to the Levites from the Merarite descendants in Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad
In verses 43-45, Joshua 21 closes with three important affirmations:
1) God fulfilled His covenant to give the Promised land to the Israelites (Joshua 1:3),
2) God gave them victory over their enemies, and rest on every side (Joshua 1:13), and
3) God fulfilled every aspect of His promises (Joshua 23:14)!
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- It is interesting that the establishment of the cities of refuge is mentioned several times, but we never read where the city of refuge was utilized. Regardless, the concept of the city of refuge is a glorious picture of God’s grace to us. We may flee to Christ who is our refuge and strength, and protection in times of trouble!
- As children of God, we claim these same affirmations by faith. God’s covenant with us will not fail. God’s power and wisdom will bring us victory. God’s promises will all be fulfilled. God’s covenant, God’s power, God’s promises all by faith in Jesus Christ!
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
