And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

JOSHUA 20:7KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 20:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 20:7 mean?

Joshua 20:7 lists three cities—Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kirjatharba (Hebron) in Judah—that were officially chosen as cities of refuge in the land of Israel. These cities were set apart so that anyone who accidentally killed someone could flee there for safety and receive a fair hearing.

In the context of the book of Joshua, this verse records a specific step in carrying out God’s instructions to provide places of refuge for people accused of manslaughter. Joshua and the leaders of Israel are organizing the land and making sure that the law given through Moses is put into practice, ensuring justice and mercy are available throughout the community.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 20:7

  • "appointed" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word means to set apart or make something holy or special. Here, it shows that these cities were not just chosen at random but were officially designated for a sacred purpose.
  • "Kedesh" (קֶדֶשׁ, qédesh): The name itself means "holy" or "sanctuary," which fits its role as a place of refuge.
  • "Galilee" (גָּלִיל, galil): This refers to a specific region in northern Israel, helping to show that the cities of refuge were spread out geographically.
  • "mount" (הַר, har): This word for "mountain" or "hill country" appears several times, highlighting that these cities were located in elevated or significant areas within each tribal territory.

Why Joshua 20:7 matters

  • Joshua 20:7 clarifies that the cities of refuge were not just a general idea but were real, named places, making the law practical and accessible.
  • The verse shows careful planning to ensure that people in different regions—north, central, and south—had access to justice and protection.
  • By naming the cities and their tribal territories, Joshua 20:7 connects the promise of safety to the broader story of Israel settling in the land and living out God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Galilee” Hebrew H1551 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 21:32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
  • 1 Kings 9:11 ( Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

“Kirjatharba” Hebrew H7153 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 23:2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
  • Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

“Kedesh” Hebrew H6943 · used in 12 verses

  • Joshua 12:22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
  • Joshua 21:32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 15:20 So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.