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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 20:7 So 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/20-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/06_Jos_20_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 20:7 - Six Cities of Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Shechem, in the hill country of Ephraim; and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which <i>is</i> Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So they appointed Kedesh in Galilee, in the mountains of Naphtali, Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and Kirjath Arba (which <i>is</i> Hebron) in the mountains of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they set apart <i>and</i> consecrated Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they designated Kedesh in the hill country of Naphtali in Galilee, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they designated Kedesh in the hill country of Naphtali in Galilee, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron) in the hill-country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Israelites decided that the following three towns west of the Jordan River would be Safe Towns: Kedesh in Galilee in Naphtali's hill country, Shechem in Ephraim's hill country, and Kiriath-Arba in Judah's hill country. Kiriath-Arba is now called Hebron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Kedesh in Galilee in the mountains of Naphtali, Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (now called Hebron) in the mountains of Judah were chosen as cities of refuge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So, on the west side of the Jordan they set aside Kedesh in Galilee, in the hill country of Naphtali; Shechem, in the hill country of Ephraim; and Hebron, in the hill country of Judah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (also known as Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So they selected 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, (which is Hebron) in the mountain of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they sanctify Kedesh in Galilee, in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kirjath-Arba (it [is] Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they sanctify Kedesh in Galilee, in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kirjath-Arba (it is Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will consecrate Kadesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and the city of Arba (this in Hebron) in mount Judah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they appointed Cedes in Galilee of mount Nephtali, and Sichem in mount Ephraim, and Cariath-Arbe, the same is Hebron in the mountain of Juda. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they decreed Kedesh in Galilee, at mount Naphtali, and Shechem, at mount Ephraim, and Kiriath-Arba, which is Hebron, at mount Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the mountain region of Naphtali, Shechem in the mountain region of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the mountain region of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they set apart these cities for the places of refuge: Rakim in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Koriath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then they set apart these cities for a place of refuge: Raqem which is in Galilee, which is on the Hill of Naphtali and Shekeem, that is on the Hill of Aphreim and Quryath Arba, which is Khebrun which is on the Hill of Yehuda<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba--the same is Hebron--in the hill-country of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joshua separated Cades in Galilee in the mount Nephthali, and Sychem in the mount Ephraim, and the city of Arboc; this is Chebron, in the mountain of Juda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/20-7.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=5211" 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">6</span>He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6942.htm" title="6942: way·yaq·di·šū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">So they set apart</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/6943.htm" title="6943: qe·ḏeš (N-proper-fs) -- Sanctuary, the name of several places in Isr. From qadash; a sanctum; Kedesh, the name of four places in Palestine.">Kedesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/1551.htm" title="1551: bag·gā·lîl (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Or Galiylah; the same as galiyl; a circle; Galil in the North of Palestine.">in Galilee</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: bə·har (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/5321.htm" title="5321: nap̄·tā·lî (N-proper-ms) -- From pathal; my wrestling; Naphtali, a son of Jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Naphtali,</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/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: bə·har (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·rā·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim,</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/7153.htm" title="7153: qir·yaṯ City of the four, an older name of Hebron (2275a). "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7153.htm" title="7153: ’ar·ba‘ (N-proper-fs) -- City of the four, an older name of Hebron (2275a). ">and Kiriath-arba</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">(that is,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2275.htm" title="2275: ḥeḇ·rō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- From cheber; seat of association; Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites.">Hebron)</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: bə·har (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>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.…<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="/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="/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="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm">1 Chronicles 6:54-81</a></span><br />Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-21.htm">Acts 2:21</a></span><br />And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’<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="/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="/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="/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="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a></span><br />Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.<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">And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.</p><p class="hdg">appointed [heb] sanctified </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Joshua 21:32</a></b></br> And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, <i>to be</i> a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-76.htm">1 Chronicles 6:76</a></b></br> And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.</p><p class="hdg">Shechem</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Joshua 21:21</a></b></br> For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, <i>to be</i> a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-18.htm">Genesis 33:18,19</a></b></br> And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which <i>is</i> in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/10-1.htm">2 Chronicles 10:1</a></b></br> And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.</p><p class="hdg">Kirjath-arba</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/14-15.htm">Joshua 14:15</a></b></br> And the name of Hebron before <i>was</i> Kirjatharba; <i>which Arba was</i> a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Joshua 21:11,13</a></b></br> And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which <i>city is</i> Hebron, in the hill <i>country</i> of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it… </p><p class="hdg">mountain</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">Luke 1:39</a></b></br> And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/17-5.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">Country</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-13.htm">Hallowed</a> <a href="/joshua/19-28.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/joshua/19-37.htm">Kedesh</a> <a href="/joshua/18-28.htm">Kiriath</a> <a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Kiriath-Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Kir'iath-Ar'ba</a> <a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Kirjatharba</a> <a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Kirjath-Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/19-50.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/joshua/18-16.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/joshua/19-39.htm">Naphtali</a> <a href="/joshua/19-39.htm">Naph'tali</a> <a href="/joshua/7-13.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-20.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/joshua/17-7.htm">Shechem</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/joshua/21-5.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/joshua/21-5.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-1.htm">Hallowed</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/joshua/21-4.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Kedesh</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Kiriath</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Kiriath-Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Kir'iath-Ar'ba</a> <a href="/judges/1-10.htm">Kirjatharba</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Kirjath-Arba</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Naphtali</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Naph'tali</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Shechem</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali</b><br>Kedesh was designated as one of the cities of refuge, a place where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum. Located in the region of Galilee, Kedesh was in the tribal territory of Naphtali. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic location. The setting apart of Kedesh highlights the importance of justice and mercy in Israelite society, providing a safe haven for those seeking protection from avengers of blood. The concept of cities of refuge is a precursor to the grace offered through Christ, who provides refuge for sinners.<p><b>Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim</b><br>Shechem holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the Bible. It was a central city in the tribal territory of Ephraim and a place of covenant renewal for the Israelites. Shechem was where God first promised the land to Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Genesis 12:6-7</a>) and where Joshua later renewed the covenant with the Israelites (<a href="/joshua/24.htm">Joshua 24:1-25</a>). Its selection as a city of refuge underscores its role as a place of decision and commitment to God's laws. The hill country of Ephraim was a prominent region, often associated with leadership and centrality in Israel.<p><b>and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah</b><br>Kiriath-arba, later known as Hebron, is one of the oldest cities in the region and was associated with the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, who settled there (<a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a>). It was also the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs, adding to its spiritual significance. Located in the hill country of Judah, Hebron was a major city and a center of Hebraic culture and religion. As a city of refuge, Hebron symbolizes the provision of safety and justice within the heartland of Israel. The mention of Hebron connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/kedesh_in_galilee.htm">Kedesh in Galilee</a></b><br>A city in the territory of Naphtali, designated as a city of refuge. It was a place where those who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>Located in the hill country of Ephraim, Shechem was another city of refuge. It held historical significance as a place of covenant renewal and worship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/kiriath-arba.htm">Kiriath-arba (Hebron)</a></b><br>Situated in the hill country of Judah, Hebron was a city of refuge and also known for its association with the patriarchs, particularly Abraham.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hill_country.htm">Hill Country</a></b><br>The geographical setting of these cities, emphasizing their strategic and accessible locations for those seeking refuge.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>Instituted by God through Moses, these cities provided protection for individuals who accidentally caused the death of another, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial.<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 that protects the innocent while ensuring accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accessibility_of_refuge.htm">Accessibility of Refuge</a></b><br>The strategic locations of these cities remind us of the accessibility of God's grace and forgiveness through Christ, who is our ultimate refuge.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of these cities required community involvement, teaching us the importance of creating environments where justice and mercy prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_refuge_in_christ.htm">Symbolism of Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the cities offered physical safety, Christ offers spiritual refuge and salvation, inviting us to find safety in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_and_spiritual_legacy.htm">Historical and Spiritual Legacy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge serve as a historical reminder of God's care for His people and a spiritual metaphor for the refuge we find in Jesus.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_biblical_cities_of_refuge.htm">What were the biblical Cities of Refuge for?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_the_avenger_system_fair_in_ancient_times.htm">How plausible is it that the avenger of blood system (Numbers 35:19) was enforced fairly in the context of ancient Near Eastern tribal justice? </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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they appointed.</span> The original, which, strange to say, the LXX. and Vulgate, as well as our version, have neglected to render, is <span class="accented">sanctified</span> (<span class="accented">heiligten</span>, Luther). The selection is itself a proof that our author knew well what he was writing about. It is not likely that in the later times of Jewish history, when the law had been forgotten (<a href="/2_kings/22-8.htm">2 Kings 22:8</a>) and its precepts had long been in abeyance, that the institution of the city of refuge remained in full force. But we find three cities selected on each side of Jordan. Those on the west were in the tribe of Naphtali on the north, of Ephraim in the centre, and of Judah in the south. The same is the case with those on the other side Jordan. Thus every little detail of the narrative, when closely scrutinised, does but show more entirely how free this narrative is from the reproach so hastily cast upon it of being a loose and inaccurate compilation, attempted by a man who had not the slightest literary fitness for the task he had undertaken. A corroboration of this view may be found in the fact that all these cities were Levitical cities. Thus, as the crime of homicide was looked upon under the Mosaic law as a crime apart from all other crimes, inasmuch as it was an offence against the life which was God's gift, and man, who was God's image, so the offender who pleaded extenuating circumstances for his offence was placed, until his trial could be held, under the special protection of the Divine law. For "the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and men should seek the law at his mouth." It was the special privilege of the tribe of Levi to possess the "key of knowledge." It was to them that the duty of ascertaining the wilt of God by Urim and Thummim was assigned (<a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a>). Thus a special acquaintance with the law (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8</a>), and a special fitness for deciding the difficult questions sometimes arising out of it, would naturally be found in the elders of those cities which had been set apart as cities of refuge. <span class="cmt_word">In Galilee.</span> Hebrew, <span class="accented">Hag-Galil</span>, the circle. Here we have the masculine, as in Joshua 13:2; 17:17; 22:10, 11, the feminine form. This is the first place in Scripture in which the word Galil, or Galilee, is applied to this region. Gesenius regards it as having been originally a district of twenty towns round Kedesh in Naphtali. Such a region of twenty towns is mentioned in <a href="/1_kings/9-11.htm">1 Kings 9:11</a> (see also Isaiah 8:23; or, Isaiah 9:1 in our version). Kedesh has already been noticed (see also <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Joshua 21:32</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/20-7.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">So they set apart</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּקְדִּ֜שׁוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaq·di·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be set apart or consecrated</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Kedesh</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶ֤דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(qe·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6943.htm">Strong's 6943: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kedesh -- 'sanctuary', the name of several places in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Galilee</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּגָּלִיל֙</span> <span class="translit">(bag·gā·lîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1551.htm">Strong's 1551: </a> </span><span class="str2">Galilee -- a cylinder, rod, circuit, district, also a district in Palestine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Naphtali,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְתָּלִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·tā·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5321.htm">Strong's 5321: </a> </span><span class="str2">Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and the district settled by them</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ephraim,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְרָ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·rā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Kiriath-arba</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּ֛ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7153.htm">Strong's 7153: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kiriath-arba -- 'city of the four', an older name of Hebron</span><br /><br /><span class="word">(that is,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֥יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Hebron)</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶבְר֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥeḇ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2275.htm">Strong's 2275: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Judah.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">OT History: Joshua 20:7 They set apart Kedesh in Galilee (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/20-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 20:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/20-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 20:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 20:8" /></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>