Joshua 20 4

Joshua 20:4 kjv

And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

Joshua 20:4 nkjv

And when he flees to one of those cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares his case in the hearing of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city as one of them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

Joshua 20:4 niv

When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city. Then the elders are to admit the fugitive into their city and provide a place to live among them.

Joshua 20:4 esv

He shall flee to one of these cities and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city. Then they shall take him into the city and give him a place, and he shall remain with them.

Joshua 20:4 nlt

"Upon reaching one of these cities, the one who caused the death will appear before the elders at the city gate and present his case. They must allow him to enter the city and give him a place to live among them.

Joshua 20 verses

Joshua 20 4 Meaning

Joshua 20:4 details the critical initial procedure for one who has unintentionally killed another and seeks asylum in a city of refuge. It describes the immediate steps: the manslayer must physically enter the city's gate, a public and judicial space, and articulate his defense before the local elders. Upon hearing his truthful account and determining it to be an unintentional act, these elders are then obligated to receive him, provide safe lodging within the city, and allow him to reside securely among the inhabitants, pending further judgment. This provision underscored a system of due process and a means of protecting an accidental killer from the blood avenger, ensuring justice and compassion within Israel's law.

Joshua 20 4 Context

Joshua chapter 20 specifically delineates the purpose, location, and procedure for the cities of refuge in Israel. This follows the conquest of Canaan and the tribal land distribution. The concept of cities of refuge originated from God's commands to Moses in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19, serving as a divinely instituted provision for legal due process, preventing arbitrary retribution. Before these cities, the "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el haddam) had the right and obligation to pursue and kill a person responsible for the death of a family member. Joshua 20:4 specifies the initial administrative step upon a manslayer's arrival at one of these cities. It highlights the transparency and community involvement required in the legal system, where the gate served as the civic court and elders as judges. This system aimed to uphold justice, protect the innocent from vengeance, and teach the sacredness of human life.

Joshua 20 4 Word analysis

• And if he flee:
  • flee (נוּס, nus): Implies urgent movement, seeking escape from danger or pursuit. This underscores the immediate threat the manslayer faced from the go'el haddam. It highlights a primary function of the cities of refuge: a safe haven from revenge, distinct from a legal trial.
• unto one of these cities:
  • Refers to the six designated cities: three east of the Jordan (Bezer, Ramoth in Gilead, Golan) and three west (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron). These locations were chosen strategically for accessibility across the land.
• and shall stand:
  • stand (עָמַד, amad): Denotes taking a fixed position, presenting oneself formally, ready to act or speak. It's a posture of engagement and readiness to be judged or heard, not passive hiding.
• at the entering of the gate of the city:
  • gate (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): More than just an entrance. In ancient Israelite society, the city gate was the central public square, market, and most importantly, the court of law. It was where business transactions were made, news was disseminated, and justice was administered by the elders. Standing at the entering emphasizes a public, open appeal, seeking legal recourse, not secrecy.
• and shall declare his cause:
  • declare (סָפַר, saphar): To recount, to tell, to enumerate, to make a full report. It implies a detailed, articulate, and honest presentation of the facts surrounding the death.
  • his cause (דְּבָרָיו, devārav, lit. "his words" or "his matters"): Refers to the full account of the incident leading to the death. The manslayer had to openly plead his case, providing a full explanation to the legal authorities.
• in the ears of the elders of that city:
  • elders (זְקֵנִים, z'kenim): Not just aged men, but the respected, experienced, and authorized leaders and judges of the community. They were responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, and safeguarding the laws of Israel. Their "ears" signify active listening, consideration, and the subsequent rendering of judgment based on the evidence.
• they shall take him into the city unto them:
  • take (לָקַח, laqach): To receive, accept, admit. This is an act of communal embrace and protection, indicating formal acceptance into the city's jurisdiction and security. It implies the elders' responsibility to provide sanctuary.
• and give him a place:
  • give (נָתַן, natan): To provide, allocate. This signifies the provision of shelter and basic necessities, ensuring the manslayer is not left vulnerable.
  • place (מָקוֹם, maqom): A dwelling, habitation, or safe abode within the city walls. This place ensures protection from external threats.
• that he may dwell among them:
  • dwell (יָשַׁב, yashav): To sit, remain, reside, settle down. It indicates a temporary but secure establishment of residence. The manslayer was permitted to live a somewhat normal life within the city's boundaries, subject to its laws, until the death of the current High Priest, which would allow his eventual return home.

Words-group analysis:

• flee unto one of these cities, and shall stand at the entering of the gate: This sequence highlights the dual requirement of urgency (fleeing) for safety and a deliberate act of presentation (standing at the gate) for legal process. The manslayer couldn't just sneak in; he had to seek judgment publicly.
• declare his cause in the ears of the elders: Emphasizes the oral tradition of justice in ancient Israel. A clear, truthful, and articulate presentation of the facts was essential, and the elders' role was to diligently listen and discern the truth without bias.
• they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them: This shows the responsibility of the community and its leaders. Once the preliminary assessment deemed the case valid for refuge, the city acted as a communal protector, providing security, sustenance, and integrating the manslayer into the civic fabric for the duration of his stay. This hospitality demonstrated God's desire for mercy and justice.

Joshua 20 4 Bonus section

The institution of cities of refuge (as detailed in Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19, and Joshua 20) reveals profound theological insights into God's character. Firstly, it showcases God's justice, distinguishing clearly between intentional murder (which required capital punishment, Gen 9:6) and unintentional killing (which warranted protection from vengeance). Secondly, it highlights His mercy and compassion, providing a regulated sanctuary for those who accidentally took a life, demonstrating that justice is not solely punitive but also protective and redemptive. Thirdly, the process at the gate with the elders represents divine order, requiring transparency and due process within the community's leadership rather than vigilante justice. Finally, the eventual release of the manslayer upon the death of the High Priest subtly points to a future ultimate sacrifice, prefiguring Christ's death as the means by which humanity, once captive to sin's penalty, finds ultimate freedom and reconciliation (Rom 5:8, Col 2:13-14).

Joshua 20 4 Commentary

Joshua 20:4 establishes the due process for the unintentional manslayer seeking refuge. It clarifies that this was not a blanket amnesty but a system rooted in law and public accountability. The man's desperate flight was met with an expectation of transparency at the very place of public judgment—the city gate, manned by the community's most respected leaders, the elders. His ability to "declare his cause" underscores the importance of honest testimony and the elders' duty to discern intention. Their subsequent action of taking him in, providing shelter, and allowing him to dwell signifies not just a physical refuge, but also a temporary reintegration into a community, highlighting God's concern for fair legal process and the preservation of innocent life, even for one who accidentally caused another's death. This entire process was to prevent blood vengeance without proper judicial review.