Joshua 20:7

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Daarop het hulle geheilig: Kedes in Galil,a, op die gebergte van N ftali, en Sigem op die gebergte van Efraim, en Kirjat-Arba, dit is Hebron, op die gebergte van Juda;

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes the appointment of three cities as cities of refuge in the territories of Naphtali, Ephraim, and Judah. These cities were to serve as places where people who had accidentally caused someone's death could seek safety from blood avengers. No one was speaking directly, but the key message is about providing safety and justice.

Explained for Children

Imagine you accidentally break a toy and another kid is really mad and wants to hurt you. In this story, God tells Joshua to pick three special places where someone who accidentally hurts another can go to stay safe until the matter is sorted out, like a timeout spot where they can’t be hurt.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Joshua, likely written by Joshua himself or a historian who lived shortly after him. It was written around 1400-1370 BCE for the Israelites who had just entered the Promised Land. The setting was one of new beginnings and establishing legal and social norms.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, we can apply the idea of seeking refuge to situations where we feel wronged or seek forgiveness. For example, if someone misunderstands you at work, you can seek refuge in discussing the issue openly with them to clear the misunderstanding.

Topics

• justice
• forgiveness
• safety
• cities of refuge
• accidental death
• legal protections

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:11
• Deuteronomy 19:3
• 1 Kings 2:28
• Hebrews 6:18
• Numbers 35:6

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were cities of refuge established?

Cities of refuge were established to provide a place of safety for those who had accidentally caused someone's death, protecting them from the potential vengeance of the victim's family until their case could be heard.

What are the three cities of refuge mentioned?

The three cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:7 are Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Hebron in Judah.

How does this apply to us today?

Today, we can think about seeking refuge as finding a safe place to address misunderstandings or to seek forgiveness in a non-hostile environment, much like the cities of refuge provided safety for those who needed it.

What is the cultural significance of these cities?

These cities were chosen because they represented different tribal territories, ensuring that every Israelite could find a city of refuge within a reasonable distance, symbolizing justice and protection for all.