Joshua 20:9

King James Version (KJV)

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

For all the children of Israel, and for the stranger - As these typified the great provision which God was making for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, hence the stranger as well as the Israelite had the same right to the benefits of these cities of refuge. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles?

Until he stood before the congregation - The judges and elders of the people, in trying civil and criminal causes, always sat; the persons who came for judgment, or who were tried, always stood; hence the expressions so frequent in Scripture, Standing before the Lord, the judges, the elders, etc. It is worthy of remark that the cities of refuge were given to the Levites; see the following chapter, Joshua 21 (note). The sacrificial system alone afforded refuge; and while the suspected person was excluded from his family, etc., he had the advantage of being with those whose business it was to instruct the ignorant, and comfort the disconsolate. Thus he had the means constantly at hand, by a careful use of which he might grow wiser and better; secure the favor of his God, and a lot of blessedness in a better world. How wise, equal, and beneficent are all the institutions of God!

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

These cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country. God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all Levites' cities. It was kindness to the poor fugitive, that when he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the servants of God with him, to instruct him, and pray for him, and to help to make up the want of public ordinances. Some observe a significance in the names of these cities with application to Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified, and shall glory.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

9. For the stranger. God made provision for the stranger to share sin the spiritual benefits of Israel. When the Israelites came out of Egypt a mixed multitude was permitted to accompany them. When the Gibeonites sought peace Israel made peace with them. When Rahab expressed her faith God accepted her. Thus it has been all through the ages. God is no respecter of persons. All who come to Him He will in no wise cast out (John 6:37). There is a gate that stands ajar, open for all who will come in humility and penitence.

1. Heads of the fathers. Chief persons descended from the three branches of the tribe of Levi, that is, from the family of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, the three sons of Levi.

Levites. This tribe waited to receive its share until all the other tribes had received their inheritance. The delay until the land was divided was necessary so that the Levites might be scattered in Israel, receiving cities from the various tribes. Their request was not arbitrary, for the God of Israel had commanded that the Levites should be well provided for (Num. 35:1, 2).

In like manner God has made arrangements that the ministry of the Christian church shall be adequately supported. “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:14). God perpetuated the system of tithes and offerings for the support of those who today carry forward His work.

Eleazar. He is mentioned first in the list of those to whom the Levites came with their request. God had instructed Joshua to seek counsel from the priest (Num. 27:21), who, in turn, would receive counsel from God. Thus the direct representative of God stood first. The whole history of this period shows how closely Joshua worked together with the priest. Unfortunately, at times Joshua too erred from this plan as in the case of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9).

Was this helpful?

Cross References

the cities

Numbers 35:15

until he stood

Joshua 20:4

Joshua 20:6

Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge (1)

BibleTools.info

Bible Verse Explanations and Resources

Joshua 20:9