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 20:8KJVWhat 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.