Joshua 20:6

Amharic Tigrinya 2011

ኣብ ቅድሚ ኣኼባ ንፍርዲ ኽሳዕ ዚቐውም፡ እቲ በተን መዓልትታት እቲኤን ዘሎ ሊቀ ኻህናት ክሳዕ ዚመውት ኣብታ ኸተማ ይቀመጥ። ሽዑ እቲ ቐታሊ ተመሊሱ ናብ ከተማኡን ናብ ቤቱን፡ ናብታ ኻብኣ ዝሀደመላ ኸተማ፡ ይእቶ።

What Does This Mean?

This verse explains that if someone accidentally kills another person, they can flee to a city of refuge. They must stay there until the high priest dies or until they are judged by the community. This protects them from revenge while they wait for justice.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you accidentally broke your friend's favorite toy. You might feel scared that they would get angry at you. This verse is like a safe house where someone who accidentally hurt someone else can go to be safe until everything is sorted out.

Historical Background

Joshua 20 was written by Joshua after the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land. This law was set to provide a fair process for those who accidentally caused harm. It reflects the cultural practice of seeking refuge and the role of the high priest in ancient Israelite society.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of due process and fairness. In a modern scenario, it's like having a legal system that protects people from being unfairly punished until all the facts are known and justice is served.

Topics

• justice
• forgiveness
• protection
• due process
• accidental harm
• community

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:25
• Numbers 35:28
• Deuteronomy 19:4
• Deuteronomy 19:6
• Hebrews 6:18

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'city of refuge' mean?

A city of refuge was a designated place where someone who accidentally caused harm could go to avoid being killed by the victim's family before a fair trial could be held.

How does this relate to modern justice systems?

This verse reflects principles of fairness and due process. In modern justice systems, it's similar to the idea of a fair trial where the accused is protected until proven guilty.

What is the significance of the high priest's death?

The death of the high priest signifies the end of a period of waiting, indicating a change in the legal process and the return of the person to their original community.

Why is the community involved in the judgment?

The involvement of the community in judgment ensures a fair and impartial process, reflecting the ancient Israelite belief in communal responsibility and justice.