Joshua 20 8

Joshua 20:8 kjv

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20:8 nkjv

And on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness on the plain, from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20:8 niv

East of the Jordan (on the other side from Jericho) they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20:8 esv

And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness on the tableland, from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20:8 nlt

On the east side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho, the following cities were designated: Bezer, in the wilderness plain of the tribe of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead, in the territory of the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, in the land of the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20 verses

Joshua 20 8 Meaning

Joshua 20:8 details the specific cities designated by God, through Israel, as cities of refuge on the eastern side of the Jordan River. These cities—Bēṣer, Ramoth, and Golan—were divinely appointed sanctuaries for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, providing them a safe haven from the "avenger of blood." This established a crucial system of justice and mercy for the newly settled Israelites, fulfilling a long-standing divine command.

Joshua 20 8 Context

Joshua chapter 20 specifically details the establishment of the Cities of Refuge throughout Israel, fulfilling commands first given to Moses. Verse 8 describes the selection of three of these six cities located "beyond the Jordan to the east"—that is, on the transjordanian side where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had settled. The broader context of Joshua emphasizes the Israelites' obedience to God's instructions regarding the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, including the organization of tribal inheritances and legal structures. These cities were crucial for maintaining justice and order, providing a regulated sanctuary for accidental killers to prevent the unregulated vengeance of a "blood avenger," which was a traditional practice. This system ensured that the land would not be defiled by innocent blood, highlighting God's concern for both justice and mercy within the community He was forming.

Joshua 20 8 Word analysis

• And beyond (מֵעֵבֶר, me'ever): Literally "from the crossing point" or "from the other side." In this context, it clearly indicates the territory on the eastern side of the Jordan River, differentiating it from the main part of Canaan. This highlights the geographical spread and accessibility of the refuge cities for all tribes.
• the Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן, hayarden): The major river forming the eastern boundary of the central Israelite territory. Its mention specifies the crucial geographical marker for the location of these cities, distinguishing the "Transjordan" area.
• to the east (מִזְרַח, mizraḥ): Signifies "sunrise" or "eastern direction." This reaffirms the precise geographical location of the chosen cities, complementing "beyond the Jordan."
• from Jericho (יְרֵחוֹ, yericho): A significant and strategic city, conquered first by Joshua. It serves as a geographical reference point for the eastern bank, implying proximity or general orientation from a well-known landmark. It points to the divine guidance in designating easily recognizable locations.
• they set apart (הִקְצִוּ, hiqtsivu): Derived from the root קָצָה (qatsah) meaning "to cut off," "to designate," or "to appoint." This emphasizes the intentional, specific designation of these cities for their special purpose. It was not accidental but a deliberate act of God through His people.
• Bēṣer (בֶּצֶר, Betzer): Meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." Located in the wilderness plateau area belonging to the tribe of Reuben. Its name might suggest its function as a secure place.
• in the wilderness (בַּמִּדְבָּר, bamidbar): Referring to the wilderness region often associated with nomadic life, implying an area less populated or developed but potentially strategically chosen for its isolation.
• on the plain (בַּמִּישֹׁר, bammishor): "Plain" here refers to the flat plateau region of Moab, providing a further specific geographical descriptor for Bēṣer's location. This makes it distinct from more mountainous regions.
• for the tribe of the Reubenites (לְמַטֵּה רְאוּבֵן, lmatteh re'uven): Each city of refuge was strategically allocated to a specific tribe's inheritance for easy access and tribal responsibility. Reuben, as one of the transjordanian tribes, received one.
• Ramoth in Gilead (רָאמוֹת בְּגִלְעָד, Ramot b'Gil'ad): "Ramoth" means "heights." Gilead was a prominent, mountainous region on the eastern side of the Jordan. This city was situated in a significant tribal area belonging to Gad.
• for the tribe of the Gadites (לְמַטֵּה גָּד, lmatteh Gad): Ramoth's designation to the tribe of Gad demonstrates the equitable distribution among the Transjordanian tribes.
• and Golan in Bashan (גּוֹלָן בַּבָּשָׁן, Golan b'Bashan): "Golan" may mean "exile" or "circle." Bashan was a highly fertile, prosperous region in the north, allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh. This city provided refuge for the northernmost transjordanian population.
• for the tribe of Manasseh (לְמַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה, lmatteh Menasheh): The half-tribe of Manasseh's presence in Bashan necessitated a designated refuge city within their territory.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And beyond the Jordan to the east from Jericho: This phrase precisely locates the cities. It indicates a systematic and divinely guided effort to establish legal infrastructure not only in the main part of Canaan but also in the newly acquired territories east of the Jordan, ensuring justice was accessible to all. The reference to "Jericho" as a known landmark aids in general orientation.
• they set apart Bēṣer in the wilderness on the plain: This defines the first specific city. The repeated geographical descriptors (wilderness, plain) highlight the care in recording its precise location within the tribal allotment of Reuben. It reflects a systematic organization by specific topographical features.
• and Ramoth in Gilead, for the tribe of the Gadites: This second city and its tribal allocation show a pattern of balanced distribution. Ramoth's position in "Gilead," a significant region, further underscores the importance of the chosen sites.
• and Golan in Bashan, for the tribe of Manasseh: The designation of Golan in the northern region of Bashan completes the trio for the Transjordanian tribes. This demonstrates comprehensive coverage, ensuring that individuals from the entire eastern side of the Jordan had access to a refuge city without having to cross the river, promoting equity in justice.

Joshua 20 8 Bonus section

The establishment of the Cities of Refuge also highlighted the sanctity of the land. Unatoned blood guilt, even from accidental killing, was believed to defile the land (Num 35:33-34). The Cities of Refuge provided a legal mechanism to address this defilement and protect both the unintentional killer and the community from divine judgment. These cities also served as levitical cities, indicating that spiritual guidance and knowledge of the law would be accessible to the "slayer" while residing there, promoting rehabilitation and understanding. The specific roads leading to these cities were required to be kept clear, broad, and well-marked (Deut 19:3) to ensure immediate access for anyone needing refuge, illustrating God's foresight and mercy in ensuring that help was readily available in times of distress. This whole system points towards the New Testament truth that Christ is our accessible, ultimate, and eternal refuge (Heb 6:18), a "city" of salvation where all who flee to Him can find safety and redemption from the penalty of sin and the ultimate "avenger" of divine judgment.

Joshua 20 8 Commentary

Joshua 20:8 provides the specific geographic locations of the three Cities of Refuge appointed east of the Jordan, mandated by divine command (Num 35; Deut 4, 19). These cities were crucial elements of Israelite jurisprudence, establishing a system of both justice and mercy. They offered a safe haven for the individual who accidentally caused a death, distinguishing such an act from premeditated murder. This distinction was vital in preventing blood feuds and ensuring legal recourse rather than retaliatory violence. The systematic designation of these cities—Bēṣer (Reuben), Ramoth (Gad), and Golan (Manasseh)—demonstrates God's meticulous care for order, protection, and the sanctity of human life. The fact that they were "set apart" by divine decree emphasizes their sacred purpose. The system also prefigured the ultimate refuge found in Christ for those who unintentionally (or knowingly, yet repentantly) transgress God's law.