Joshua 20:2 (KJV)

What does Joshua 20:2 mean?

Joshua 20:2 records God’s command to the Israelites to set aside certain cities as “cities of refuge,” just as God had previously instructed Moses. These cities were to be places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety.

In this verse, God is speaking to Joshua, telling him to relay this instruction to the people of Israel. The context is the Israelites settling in the Promised Land, and God is ensuring that the system of justice and mercy He described through Moses is put into practice. The “cities of refuge” were a practical way to protect people from revenge killings until a fair trial could take place.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 20:2

• The word for “refuge” is מִקְלָט (miqlat), meaning a place of shelter or protection. This highlights that these cities were meant to be safe havens, not just ordinary towns.
• The phrase “by the hand of Moses” uses יָד (yad), meaning “hand,” which often signifies agency or authority. This reminds the reader that Moses was God’s chosen leader to deliver these earlier instructions.

Why Joshua 20:2 matters

• Joshua 20:2 shows continuity between Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s, emphasizing that God’s instructions remain consistent even as leaders change.
• The verse clarifies that the cities of refuge were not Joshua’s idea, but a direct command from God, reinforcing their importance in Israel’s justice system.
• Understanding this verse helps explain the later passages in Joshua that detail how these cities functioned and why they were vital for justice and mercy in ancient Israel.