What does Joshua 20:7 mean?
"¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah." - Joshua 20:7
Joshua 20:7 (KJV) - And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of Joshua 20:7, it is important to consider the context in which this verse is situated. The book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament and follows the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. This specific verse comes from a chapter detailing the appointment of cities of refuge for those who inadvertently commit manslaughter.
The verse mentions three specific cities that were appointed as cities of refuge: Kedesh, Shechem, and Kirjatharba (Hebron). These cities were strategically located in different regions of the Promised Land, ensuring that there would always be a city of refuge within reach for anyone in need. It reflects God's mercy and justice in providing a way for those who unintentionally caused harm to find protection and safety.
The significance of these appointed cities of refuge cannot be overstated. They were a tangible expression of God's protection for His people and a demonstration of His mercy in the face of tragedy. In a society where blood feuds and revenge killings were common, these cities provided a safe haven for those who needed it, allowing them to receive a fair trial and protection from those seeking vengeance.
The locations of these cities also hold symbolic meaning. Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Hebron in Judah were strategically positioned to be easily accessible from various parts of the land. This reflects God's intentional design in providing for the needs of His people, ensuring that His mercy and justice were accessible to all.
Furthermore, the naming of these cities is significant. Kedesh means "holy" or "set apart," reflecting the sanctity of the refuge offered within its walls. Shechem means "shoulder" or "ridge," signifying the support and burden-sharing offered to those seeking refuge. Hebron means "association" or "fellowship," pointing to the community and unity found within the city of refuge.
The act of appointing these cities of refuge also holds broader theological implications. It emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and mercy, even in the midst of tragedy. It highlights God's desire for His people to act with compassion and fairness, to provide a way for reconciliation and healing in the face of unintended harm.
The appointment of these cities of refuge ultimately points to the character of God Himself. He is a God of justice and mercy, providing a way for those in need to find safety and protection. It reflects His desire for His people to uphold these values and to create a society where justice and compassion go hand in hand.
In conclusion, Joshua 20:7 holds deep meaning and significance within the larger context of the book of Joshua and the biblical narrative as a whole. It serves as a reminder of God's mercy and justice, as well as His desire for His people to create a society that upholds these values. The appointment of the cities of refuge reflects God's intentional design in providing for the needs of His people and His desire for reconciliation and healing in the face of tragedy.
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Joshua 20:7 - "¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah."
"¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah." - Joshua 20:7
Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"
Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
"And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:" - Joshua 7:20
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 6:20
Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."
Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"
"The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 20:1
Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"
Joshua 15:20 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families."
Joshua 7:16 - "¶ So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:"
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 12:20 - "The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;"
"And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez," - Joshua 19:20
Joshua 7:10 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 5:7 - "And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way."
Joshua 7:7 - "And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!"
Joshua 10:20 - "And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities."
Joshua 7:23 - "And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD."
"And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal." - Joshua 4:20
Joshua 3:7 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee."
Joshua 19:7 - "Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:"
Joshua 12:7 - "¶ And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;"
Judges 2:7 - "And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel."
Joshua 7:6 - "¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads."