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 20:8KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 20:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 20:8 mean?

Joshua 20:8 lists three cities—Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan—located east of the Jordan River, each assigned from a different Israelite tribe as special places of refuge. These cities were set apart so that someone who accidentally killed another person could flee there for safety until they received a fair trial.

In this verse, the writer is describing how the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, designated specific cities for protection as commanded by God. The verse names the cities and their tribal territories: Bezer (from Reuben), Ramoth (from Gad), and Golan (from Manasseh). This is part of a larger passage about setting up “cities of refuge” on both sides of the Jordan River, ensuring that every Israelite had access to justice and mercy.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 20:8

  • יַרְדֵּן (Yarden, “Jordan”): This word refers to the Jordan River, the major geographic boundary in the region. The verse’s mention of “the other side Jordan” clarifies that these cities were east of this river, in territory settled by some tribes before crossing into Canaan.
  • מִדְבָּר (midbar, “wilderness”): Used to describe Bezer’s location, this word often means a dry, open land. It shows that the city was set apart in a less populated area, making it accessible and neutral ground for those seeking refuge.
  • מִשְׁפָּע (mishor, “plain”): This term describes the flatlands where Bezer was located, emphasizing its openness and perhaps its accessibility for people fleeing in distress.
  • מַטֶּה (matteh, “tribe”): This word is repeated to show which tribe each city belonged to, underlining the shared responsibility among all Israelite groups to provide places of refuge.

Why Joshua 20:8 matters

  • Joshua 20:8 clarifies that the provision of refuge was not limited to the main territory of Canaan but extended to the tribes east of the Jordan, showing fairness and inclusion for all Israelites.
  • The verse highlights the careful planning in distributing these cities so that no one was too far from help, reflecting the value placed on justice and mercy in Israelite society.
  • By naming the specific cities and their tribal affiliations, Joshua 20:8 connects the legal instructions given earlier in the Torah to their actual implementation, showing the Israelites’ obedience to God’s directions.

Where else these words appear

“Ramoth” Hebrew H7216 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:73 And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:
  • 1 Chronicles 6:80 And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

“Golan” Hebrew H1474 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
  • Joshua 21:27 And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

“Bezer” Hebrew H1221 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
  • Joshua 21:36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:78 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,

“plain” Hebrew H4334 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • 1 Kings 20:25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.
  • Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.