What does Joshua 21:32 mean?
"And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities." - Joshua 21:32
Joshua 21:32 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse is a part of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Joshua. It is a part of the account of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. This division was a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham as an inheritance. The book of Joshua records the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, after the death of Moses.
In this particular verse, the tribe of Naphtali is allotted certain cities with their surrounding suburbs. Among these cities is Kedesh in Galilee, which is designated as a city of refuge for the slayer. The concept of a city of refuge is an important theme throughout the Bible, and it is intended to provide a place of safety and protection for those who have unintentionally caused harm or death. These cities were strategically located so that they could be easily accessed by anyone in need of refuge.
The significance of this verse lies in its representation of God's justice, mercy, and provision for his people. The establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God's concern for justice and fairness in dealing with unintentional harm or death. It shows that even in a time of settling into a new land and establishing a new community, God's laws and principles were central to the structure of their society.
Furthermore, this verse also conveys the idea of God's provision for his people. By designating certain cities as places of refuge, God provided a safeguard for those who might find themselves in a difficult situation. This reflects God's compassion and care for individuals, and it emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in Him as a source of safety and security.
The context of this verse is also important to consider. The book of Joshua is a transitional period for the people of Israel, as they move from wandering in the wilderness to settling in the land promised to them by God. Throughout this process, God is with them, guiding, protecting, and providing for their needs. This verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to his people, and the importance of obedience to his laws and commandments.
Symbolically, the concept of cities of refuge can also be seen as a representation of Christ as our ultimate refuge. Just as the cities of refuge provided a place of safety and protection for those in need, Jesus Christ offers refuge and salvation to all who seek Him. In times of trouble and distress, we can turn to Him for strength, protection, and deliverance.
In conclusion, Joshua 21:32 highlights the themes of justice, mercy, and provision in God's interaction with His people. It underscores the importance of following God's laws and principles, and it serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and care for His children. Symbolically, it also points to Jesus Christ as our ultimate refuge and source of safety. This verse is a powerful reflection of God's character and His continuous presence in the lives of His people.
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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 Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities."
"And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities." - Joshua 21:32
Joshua 24:21 - "And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD."
Genesis 21-32
Joshua 15:32 - "And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:"
Joshua 19:32 - "¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families."
Numbers 32:12 - "Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD."
Joshua 10:21 - "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
Joshua 21:21 - "For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,"
Joshua 13:32 - "These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward."
Exodus 32:17 - "And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp."
Joshua 8:32 - "¶ And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel."
Joshua 8:21 - "And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai."
Joshua 12:21 - "The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;"
Joshua 21:14 - "And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:15 - "And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,"
Numbers 32:28 - "So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:"
"And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:21
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
Joshua 21:1 - "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;"
Joshua 19:21 - "And Remeth, and En-gannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez;"
Job 21:32 - "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb."
Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:35 - "Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:37 - "Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:18 - "Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:28 - "And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:30 - "And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:17 - "And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,"