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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 20:2 "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/20-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/06_Jos_20_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 20:2 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses," /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm" title="Joshua 20:1">◄</a> Joshua 20:2 <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm" title="Joshua 20:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, &#8216Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge (asylum), of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Tell the Israelites: Select your cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Tell the Israelites: Select your cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Moses was still alive, I commanded him to tell the Israelites about the Safe Towns. Now you tell them that it is time to set up these towns. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Tell the people of Israel, 'Now choose for yourselves the cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />to say to the people of Israel, "Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Tell the people of Israel to set apart cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Have the Israelites select the cities of refuge that I told you about through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint for you cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, Give cities of refuge for yourselves, as I have spoken to you by the hand of Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, Give for you cities of refuge, as I have spoken unto you by the hand of Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, Ye shall give to yourselves cities of refuge which I spake to you by the hand of Moses:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Appoint cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Separate the cities of refuge, about which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Tell the Israelites: Designate for yourselves the cities of refuge of which I spoke to you through Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Say to the Israelites, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Reserve for you cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through my servant Moses;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Say to the children of Israel: “Leave for yourselves cities for salvation, according to what I said to you by the hand of my Servant Moshe<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying: Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign the cities of refuge, <i>of</i> which I spoke to you by Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5153" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Then the LORD said to Joshua, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tə·nū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">to designate</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rê (N-fpc) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/4733.htm" title="4733: ham·miq·lāṭ (Art:: N-ms) -- Refuge, asylum. From qalat in the sense of taking in; an asylum.">of refuge,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I instructed</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">you through</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a></span><br />When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a></span><br />If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6</a></span><br />Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30-31</a></span><br />Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. / For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-57.htm">1 Chronicles 6:57</a></span><br />So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1</a></span><br />Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/4-6.htm">Isaiah 4:6</a></span><br />a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spoke to you by the hand of Moses:</p><p class="hdg">Appoint</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13,14</a></b></br> And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver <i>him</i> into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6,11-14</a></b></br> And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites <i>there shall be</i> six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></b></br> Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; … </p><p class="hdg">your refuge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-15.htm">Numbers 35:15-24</a></b></br> These six cities shall be a refuge, <i>both</i> for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/18-4.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/joshua/10-18.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/joshua/19-51.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/19-48.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-12.htm">Designate</a> <a href="/joshua/19-27.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/19-51.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/joshua/18-20.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/joshua/18-7.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/joshua/18-19.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/joshua/19-48.htm">Places</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-27.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/10-21.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/joshua/19-48.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/14-12.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/18-31.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-3.htm">Designate</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/21-3.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-12.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/joshua/21-2.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/judges/1-8.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Places</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/joshua/22-15.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/joshua/21-2.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/22-9.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">God commands</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It reflects the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the responsibility of Joshua to guide the people according to God's instructions. The Israelites, as God's covenant people, are reminded of their unique relationship with Him and their obligation to follow His commands.<p><b>to designate the cities of refuge</b><br>The cities of refuge were a provision for justice and mercy within the Israelite legal system. These cities were strategically located throughout the land to be accessible to anyone in need. They served as a place where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could seek asylum from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This system highlights God's concern for justice and the protection of human life. It also foreshadows the concept of sanctuary and refuge found in Christ, who offers spiritual refuge and salvation.<p><b>as I instructed you through Moses</b><br>This phrase underscores the continuity and consistency of God's law and instructions. The establishment of cities of refuge was initially commanded in the Mosaic Law, specifically in <a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-34</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/19.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a>. It demonstrates the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of adhering to His commands. The reference to Moses also serves to legitimize Joshua's leadership, as he is seen as the successor carrying out the divine instructions given to Moses. This continuity is a testament to the unchanging nature of God's word and His plan for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and implementing God's laws, including the establishment of cities of refuge.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering and settling in the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Specific cities designated by God through Moses and Joshua where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and receive a fair trial.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader who received the Law from God, including the instructions for the cities of refuge, which Joshua is now implementing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, where the Israelites are now settling and establishing their society according to God's laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Provision for Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a system to protect the innocent while ensuring justice is served.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Joshua's role in implementing God's instructions highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands for the well-being of the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ is our refuge, offering spiritual safety and salvation to those who seek Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of these cities underscores the community's role in upholding justice and providing protection for its members.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intentionality_in_god's_law.htm">Intentionality in God's Law</a></b><br>The specific designation of cities shows God's intentionality in His laws, ensuring that they are practical and accessible for His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_joshua_21_cities_conflict_with_14-20.htm">Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_joshua_20's_mercy_with_6's_violence.htm">How can the compassionate approach to accidental killers in Joshua 20 be reconciled with the violent conquests described earlier, such as in Joshua 6? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_11_12-15_align_with_sparing.htm">How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12-15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_levites'_lands_align_biblically.htm">In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/20-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Tell</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to designate</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּנ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(tə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the cities</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of refuge,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּקְלָ֔ט</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miq·lāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4733.htm">Strong's 4733: </a> </span><span class="str2">Refuge, asylum</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I instructed</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(dib·bar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you through</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַד־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yaḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶֽׁה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/20-2.htm">OT History: Joshua 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel saying (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>