Joshua 21:27

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Die Leviete in die Gerson-familie het van die halwe Manasse-stam in die land Basan die asielstad Golan en die stad Astarot gekry, saam met die weivelde by die stede. Dit was twee stede.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Joshua describes how the Levites, a special group of Israelites, were given specific cities for refuge and living. Golan and Beeshterah were two such cities given to the children of Gershon from the tribe of Manasseh. These cities provided protection for those who accidentally caused someone's death.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your friends, and by accident, you break something really important. You might feel scared, but the Bible says there are special places called cities of refuge where someone who accidentally does something wrong can go to be safe. This verse talks about giving two of these safe cities to a special group of helpers called the Levites.

Historical Background

Joshua was written by the prophet Joshua around 1400-1380 BC, detailing the division of land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. The Levites were given specific cities to serve as priests and teachers, and these cities included designated areas for refuge to protect accidental wrongdoers.

Living It Out Today

Just as these cities provided a safe haven for those who needed protection, we can see a parallel in today's legal systems where there are provisions for those who make mistakes. It's a reminder to treat all with fairness and to have compassion for those who may have caused harm unintentionally.

Topics

• justice
• refuge
• Levites
• cities
• protection
• accidental wrongs

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:6
• Numbers 35:14
• Deuteronomy 4:41
• Joshua 20:8
• 1 Samuel 21:13

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these cities of refuge important?

Cities of refuge were critical as they offered protection to those who had accidentally caused someone's death, preventing them from being punished for something unintentional and offering a legal and moral sanctuary.

Who were the Levites?

The Levites were a tribe of Israelites chosen to serve as priests and teachers, playing a central role in religious and communal life, with responsibilities including caring for the tabernacle and later the temple.

What does it mean to be a city of refuge?

A city of refuge was a designated city where a person who had caused an accidental death could flee and be protected from the avenger of blood until a trial could determine if the death was truly accidental.

How can we apply the concept of a city of refuge today?

Today, we can think of this concept in terms of offering support and protection to those who have made mistakes, emphasizing forgiveness and rehabilitation rather than punishment without consideration.