Joshua 20:9
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
هَذِهِ هِيَ مُدُنُ الْمَلْجَإِ الَّتِي صَارَتْ مَلاَذاً لِكُلِّ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلِلْغُرَبَاءِ الْمُقِيمِينَ بَيْنَهُمْ، لِكَيْ يَهْرُبَ إِلَيْهَا كُلُّ مَنْ يَقْتُلُ نَفْساً عَنْ غَيْرِ قَصْدٍ، فَلاَ يَمُوتُ بَيدِ طَالِبِ الدَّمِ، وَلِكَيْ يَمْثُلَ لِلْمُحَاكَمَةِ أَمَامَ الْجَمَاعَةِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse lists the cities where anyone who accidentally kills someone can go to stay safe until they can explain their actions to a community. This rule applies to all Israelites and foreigners living among them.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you accidentally broke a friend's toy really badly. Instead of getting into big trouble, you could go to a special house where you'd be safe until you could explain what happened to all your friends.
Historical Background
Joshua 20:9 is part of the Book of Joshua, written around the 6th century BCE. It describes the cities of refuge established by Joshua for the Israelites and foreigners, following the conquest of Canaan. These cities provided a safe haven for anyone who accidentally killed someone.
Living It Out Today
Today, this concept can be seen in legal protections for individuals who commit accidental harm. For example, a driver might not be punished if they unintentionally cause an accident under unavoidable circumstances.
Topics
justiceprotectionaccidentlegal systemscities of refugecommunity
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who could use these cities of refuge?
Both Israelites and foreigners living among them could use these cities if they accidentally killed someone.
What would happen if someone killed someone accidentally?
They could flee to a city of refuge to be safe from the family of the deceased until they stood before the community to explain their actions.
How many cities of refuge are mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible mentions six cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River.
What was the purpose of the cities of refuge?
The cities of refuge were established to provide a place of safety and justice for those who accidentally caused a death, preventing hasty and unfair revenge.