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Ramoth in Gilead, in the territory of the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, in the land of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/esv/joshua/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/kjv/joshua/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness on the plain, from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nasb/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/lsb/joshua/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/amp/joshua/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/csb/joshua/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Across the Jordan east of Jericho, they selected Bezer on the wilderness plateau from Reuben’s tribe, Ramoth in Gilead from Gad’s tribe, and Golan in Bashan from Manasseh’s tribe. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Across the Jordan east of Jericho, they selected Bezer on the wilderness plateau from Reuben&#8217s tribe, Ramoth in Gilead from Gad&#8217s tribe, and Golan in Bashan from Manasseh&#8217s tribe. <a href="/asv/joshua/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/cev/joshua/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Israelites had already decided on the following three towns east of the Jordan River: Bezer in the desert flatlands of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, which was a town that belonged to Gad, and Golan in Bashan, which belonged to Manasseh. <a href="/erv/joshua/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/gwt/joshua/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Bezer on the desert plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh were chosen as cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River, east of Jericho. <a href="/gnt/joshua/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> East of the Jordan, on the desert plateau east of Jericho, they chose Bezer in the territory of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead, in the territory of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, in the territory of Manasseh. <a href="/isv/joshua/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> East of Jericho beyond the Jordan River, they reserved Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/net/joshua/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho they selected Bezer in the desert on the plain belonging to the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan belonging to the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nheb/joshua/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer on the wilderness plateau out of the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/wbt/joshua/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And on the other side of Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/joshua/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/web/joshua/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and beyond the Jordan, [at] Jericho eastward, they have given Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain, out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/ylt/joshua/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and beyond the Jordan, at Jericho eastward, they have given Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain, out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/slt/joshua/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And from beyond Jordan of Jericho from the sunrising, they gave Bezer in the desert in the plain from the tribe of Reuben and Ramoth, in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And beyond the Jordan to the east of Jericho, they appointed Bosor, which is upon the plain of the wilderness of the tribe of Ruben, and Ramoth in Galaad of the tribe of Cad, and Gaulon in Basan of the tribe of Manasses. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And beyond the Jordan, opposite the eastern side of Jericho, they appointed Bezer, which is situated on the plain of the wilderness of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nabre/joshua/20.htm">New American Bible</a> And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And on the other side of the Jordan, east of Jericho, they assigned Bozer in the wilderness, which is situated upon the plain, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Mathnin, from the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And at the crossing of Jordan of Yerikho from the East they gave Butsar in the wilderness that sits in the plain from the tribe of Rubil, and Ramath Gelad from the tribe of Gad, and Gulan that is in Mathnin, of the tribe of Menasheh<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the table-land out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. <a href="/sep/joshua/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And beyond Jordan he appointed Bosor in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Ruben, and Aremoth in Galaad out of the tribe of Gad, and Gaulon in the country of Basan out of the tribe of Manasse. <a href="/parallel/joshua/20-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5224" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Six Cities of Refuge</a> …7So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. 8<a href="/hebrew/5676.htm" title="5676: ū·mê·‘ê·ḇer (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Region across or beyond, side. From abar; properly, a region across; but used only adverbially on the opposite side.">And beyond</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: lə·yar·dên (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4217.htm" title="4217: miz·rā·ḥāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- Place of sunrise, the east. From zarach; sunrise, i.e. The east.">east</a> <a href="/hebrew/3405.htm" title="3405: yə·rî·ḥōw (N-proper-fs) -- Or Yrechow; or variation Yriychoh; perhaps from yareach; its month; or else from ruwach; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine.">of Jericho,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯə·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">they designated</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/1221.htm" title="1221: be·ṣer (N-proper-fs) -- The same as betser, an inaccessible spot; Betser, a place in Palestine; also an Israelite.">Bezer</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: bam·miḏ·bār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">on the wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/4334.htm" title="4334: bam·mî·šōr (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A level place, uprightness. ">plateau</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: mim·maṭ·ṭêh (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">from the tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">of Reuben,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7216.htm" title="7216: rā·mōṯ (N-proper-fs) -- Or Ramoth; plural of ra'mah; heights; Ramoth, the name of two places in Palestine.">Ramoth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: bag·gil·‘āḏ (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites.">in Gilead</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: mim·maṭ·ṭêh- (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">from the tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1410.htm" title="1410: ḡāḏ (N-proper-ms) -- From guwd; Gad, a son of Jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet.">of Gad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1474.htm" title="1474: gå̄·lōn (N-proper-fs) -- A city and a region E. of the Jordan in Manasseh. From gowlah; captive; Golan, a place east of the Jordan.">Golan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1316.htm" title="1316: bab·bā·šān (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Smooth, a region E. of the Jordan. Of uncertain derivation; Bashan, a region East of the Jordan.">in Bashan</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: mim·maṭ·ṭêh (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">from the tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Manasseh.</a> 9These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Numbers 35:14</a> Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-2.htm">Deuteronomy 19:2-9</a> 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. / Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: ... <a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-12</a> designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Numbers 35:22-25</a> But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, / or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, / then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/6-78.htm">1 Chronicles 6:78-80</a> From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, / Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands. / And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a> 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. <a href="/acts/2-21.htm">Acts 2:21</a> And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ <a href="/romans/10-13.htm">Romans 10:13</a> for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/4-6.htm">Isaiah 4:6</a> a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain. <a href="/isaiah/25-4.htm">Isaiah 25:4</a> For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall, <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness on the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.Bezer<a href="/joshua/21-36.htm">Joshua 21:36</a> And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,<a href="/deuteronomy/4-43.htm">Deuteronomy 4:43</a> Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.<a href="/1_chronicles/6-78.htm">1 Chronicles 6:78</a> And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,Ramoth<a href="/joshua/21-38.htm">Joshua 21:38</a> And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,<a href="/1_kings/22-3.htm">1 Kings 22:3,4,6</a> And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? … <a href="/1_chronicles/6-80.htm">1 Chronicles 6:80</a> And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,Golan<a href="/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27</a> And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/14-2.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/joshua/17-5.htm">Bashan</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-43.htm">Bezer</a> <a href="/joshua/15-61.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">East</a> <a href="/joshua/19-27.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/joshua/18-21.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/18-7.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/joshua/17-17.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/joshua/17-16.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/joshua/13-17.htm">Plateau</a> <a href="/joshua/19-8.htm">Ramoth</a> <a href="/joshua/18-17.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">Side</a> <a href="/joshua/13-17.htm">Tableland</a> <a href="/joshua/13-21.htm">Table-Land</a> <a href="/joshua/19-48.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/joshua/18-12.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/joshua/18-12.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/20-9.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/21-10.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Bashan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-36.htm">Bezer</a> <a href="/joshua/24-7.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/joshua/24-8.htm">East</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/joshua/24-11.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/22-4.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-5.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/joshua/21-5.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/judges/1-19.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Plateau</a> <a href="/joshua/21-38.htm">Ramoth</a> <a href="/joshua/21-7.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/judges/10-14.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/joshua/21-44.htm">Side</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-21.htm">Tableland</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-10.htm">Table-Land</a> <a href="/joshua/21-4.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/joshua/24-7.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 20</div>1. <a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">God commands</a> 7. <a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho This phrase situates the location of the cities of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. The Jordan River served as a significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, separating the tribes that settled in the Transjordan from those in Canaan. Jericho, known for its walls that fell in the conquest led by Joshua, was a key city in the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. The mention of "beyond the Jordan" indicates the inclusion of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose to settle in this fertile region before the Israelites crossed into Canaan proper.They designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben Bezer was one of the cities of refuge, designated as a safe haven for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. Located on a wilderness plateau, Bezer was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The wilderness plateau suggests a region that was elevated and perhaps less fertile, which aligns with the historical understanding of Reuben's territory. The designation of Bezer as a city of refuge underscores the importance of justice and mercy in Israelite society, providing protection while awaiting trial. This reflects God's provision for justice and mercy, themes that are echoed throughout Scripture.Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad Ramoth in Gilead was another city of refuge, situated in the territory of Gad. Gilead was a region known for its balm, a healing ointment, which metaphorically ties to the city's role as a place of refuge and healing for those seeking asylum. Ramoth was strategically important, often mentioned in the context of battles and conflicts in the Old Testament. Its selection as a city of refuge highlights the balance between its military significance and its role in providing sanctuary. The concept of refuge here can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers refuge and healing to those who seek Him.And Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh Golan, located in the region of Bashan, was the third city of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan. Bashan was known for its fertile land and strong cattle, often symbolizing strength and prosperity. The tribe of Manasseh, which settled in this area, was one of the larger tribes, and Golan's designation as a city of refuge provided a necessary place of safety for the region. The cities of refuge, including Golan, are a foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ, who provides safety and salvation for all who come to Him. The concept of refuge is a recurring theme in the Bible, pointing to God's provision and protection for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/bezer.htm">Bezer</a> A city designated as a city of refuge located in the wilderness on the plateau, belonging to the tribe of Reuben. It served as a sanctuary for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. 2. <a href="/topical/r/ramoth_in_gilead.htm">Ramoth in Gilead</a> Another city of refuge, situated in the region of Gilead, belonging to the tribe of Gad. It provided protection and justice for those seeking asylum. 3. <a href="/topical/g/golan_in_bashan.htm">Golan in Bashan</a> The third city of refuge mentioned in this verse, located in Bashan and belonging to the tribe of Manasseh. It was part of the system to ensure fair trial and protection. 4. <a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_reuben.htm">Tribe of Reuben</a> One of the twelve tribes of Israel, settled on the east side of the Jordan River. They were given the city of Bezer as a city of refuge. 5. <a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_gad_and_tribe_of_manasseh.htm">Tribe of Gad and Tribe of Manasseh</a> These tribes were also settled east of the Jordan River and were responsible for maintaining the cities of refuge, Ramoth and Golan, respectively.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Provision for Justice and Mercy</a> The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a place for the accused to find safety and a fair trial. This reflects God's character and His desire for justice tempered with compassion. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_responsibility.htm">The Importance of Community Responsibility</a> The tribes were responsible for maintaining these cities, highlighting the role of community in upholding justice and providing support for those in need. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Refuge in Christ</a> Just as the cities provided physical refuge, Christ offers spiritual refuge. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law_in_society.htm">The Role of the Law in Society</a> The establishment of these cities underscores the importance of laws that protect the innocent and ensure justice, a principle that remains relevant in modern society. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_seek_refuge_in_god.htm">Encouragement to Seek Refuge in God</a> In times of trouble or when feeling accused, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God, who is our ultimate protector and advocate.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 20</a> <a href="/q/purpose_of_biblical_cities_of_refuge.htm">What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_israel's_cities_of_refuge.htm">Deuteronomy 19:2-3: Is there any archaeological evidence of Israel establishing and maintaining these cities of refuge as described?</a> <a href="/q/where's_proof_of_joshua's_refuge_cities.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence confirming the six cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:7-8?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_evidence_for_refuge_cities.htm">Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - By Jericho eastward. Or, eastward of Jericho. This, of course, only refers to Bezer. The plain. The Mishor, or table land (see <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16</a>; <a href="/joshua/9-1.htm">Joshua 9:1</a>, and notes). Our version, by its renderings, obscures the beautiful precision with which our historian never fails to hit off the physical geography of the country. Thus, the plain of Bashan, Gilead, and Reuben is always the Mishor; the strip of land between the mountains and the Mediterranean is always the Shephelah; the depression of the Jordan Valley and the country south of the Dead Sea is invariably the Arabah; wide plains shut in between ranges of hills or situated on their slopes are distinguished by the title of Emek; while narrow waterless ravines are known by the name of Ge. We may quote here the emphatic words with which Canon Tristram concludes his 'Land of Israel,' "While on matters of science the inspired writers speak in the ordinary language of their times (the only language which could have been understood), I can bear testimony to the minute truth of innumerable incidental allusions in Holy Writ to the facts of nature, of climate, of geographical position - corroborations of Scripture which, though trifling in themselves, reach to minute details that prove the writers to have lived when and where they are asserted to have lived; which attest their scrupulous accuracy in recording what they saw and observed around them; and which, therefore, must increase our confidence in their veracity, where we cannot have the like means of testing it. I can find no discrepancies between their geographical or physical statements and the evidence of present facts. I can find no standpoint here for the keenest advocate against the full inspiration of the scriptural record. The Holy Land not only elucidates but bears witness to the truth of the Holy Book." Ramoth in Gilead. See <a href="/joshua/13-26.htm">Joshua 13:26</a>, where it is called Ramoth Mizpeh; also <a href="/joshua/21-38.htm">Joshua 21:38</a>. All these cities of refuge were Levitical cities. It is famous as the headquarters of Jehu's rebellion, in which he clearly had the support of the priestly party (<a href="/2_kings/9.htm">2 Kings 9</a>.). The key to his subsequent conduct is found in this fact. His "zeal for the Lord," displayed so ostentatiously to Jonadab, who we may suppose, as being of the "family of the scribes," to have become identified with the Levites (cf. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-55.htm">1 Chronicles 2:55</a> with <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a>, and <a href="/1_chronicles/27-32.htm">1 Chronicles 27:32</a> with <a href="/ezra/7-12.htm">Ezra 7:12</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Jeremiah 8:8</a>), was simply a stroke of policy, to bind to his interest the sacerdotal party, to whom,with the army, he owed his throne. Just such a policy commended itself to the worldly wisdom of our own Lancastrian princes, and led to the enactment of the infamous statute de heretico comburendo in the fifteenth century. Jehu, we find, was contented with the one vast sacrifice of idolaters, for whom he cared nothing, and gave himself no further trouble to secure purity of worship for his people. The one great value of the geographical and political details in the book of Joshua is that when carefully studied they supply us with the key to many a mystery in the after history of Israel, which, but for their aid, we should scarcely have unravelled. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/20-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And beyond וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר (ū·mê·‘ê·ḇer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5676.htm">Strong's 5676: </a> A region across, on the opposite side the Jordan, לְיַרְדֵּ֤ן (lə·yar·dên) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine east מִזְרָ֔חָה (miz·rā·ḥāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4217.htm">Strong's 4217: </a> Place of sunrise, the east of Jericho, יְרִיחוֹ֙ (yə·rî·ḥōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3405.htm">Strong's 3405: </a> Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua they designated נָתְנ֞וּ (nā·ṯə·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set Bezer בֶּ֧צֶר (be·ṣer) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1221.htm">Strong's 1221: </a> Bezer -- 'fortress', a city in Reuben, also a descendant of Asher on the wilderness בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech plateau בַּמִּישֹׁ֖ר (bam·mî·šōr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice from the tribe מִמַּטֵּ֣ה (mim·maṭ·ṭêh) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of Reuben, רְאוּבֵ֑ן (rə·’ū·ḇên) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc Ramoth רָאמֹ֤ת (rā·mōṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7216.htm">Strong's 7216: </a> Ramoth -- 'heights', the name of several cities in Israel in Gilead בַּגִּלְעָד֙ (bag·gil·‘āḏ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1568.htm">Strong's 1568: </a> Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites from the tribe מִמַּטֵּה־ (mim·maṭ·ṭêh-) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of Gad, גָ֔ד (ḡāḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> Gad -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe and its territory, also a prophet and Golan גּוֹלָ֥ן (gō·w·lān) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1474.htm">Strong's 1474: </a> Golan -- a city and a region East of the Jordan in Manasseh in Bashan בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן (bab·bā·šān) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1316.htm">Strong's 1316: </a> Bashan -- 'smooth', a region East of the Jordan from the tribe מִמַּטֵּ֥ה (mim·maṭ·ṭêh) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of Manasseh. מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃ (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">OT History: Joshua 20:8 Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward they (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 20:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/20-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 20:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:9" /></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>