What does Joshua 21:38 mean?
"And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs," - Joshua 21:38
Joshua 21:38 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,"
This verse comes from the book of Joshua, which is the sixth book of the Old Testament. The book of Joshua depicts the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. In this particular verse, the allocation of cities to the tribe of Gad is being described.
The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and its territory was located to the east of the Jordan River. Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim were two of the cities allocated to the tribe of Gad. These cities were to serve as cities of refuge for those who had unintentionally killed someone. Under the Mosaic law, if a person accidentally killed another, they could flee to a city of refuge for protection from the avenger of blood until they had a fair trial. This concept of cities of refuge illustrates the importance of justice and mercy within the Israelite society.
From a historical context, this verse demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites. The allocation of cities to the tribes was a key part of securing the land promised to them by God. By designating cities of refuge, God continued to establish a system of justice and order within the community.
Symbolically, this verse can also be interpreted in a spiritual context. The cities of refuge can symbolize Christ as our ultimate refuge. Just as the cities provided protection for those who sought refuge, Jesus offers refuge and protection for those who believe in Him. In Hebrews 6:18, it says, "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us." This verse emphasizes the idea that Jesus is our eternal city of refuge, providing shelter and safety for our souls.
Furthermore, the cities themselves carry symbolic significance. Ramoth in Gilead means "exalted height" and Mahanaim means "two camps." These names can be seen as symbolic representations of spiritual truth. "Exalted height" suggests the exaltation and elevation of those who seek refuge in God, while "two camps" implies the divine presence and protection surrounding believers.
Overall, Joshua 21:38 not only provides a historical account of the division of the Promised Land but also conveys important spiritual truths. It reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, His establishment of justice and mercy, and the symbolism of cities of refuge as a foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate refuge. This verse encourages believers to seek refuge in God and find security and protection in Him.
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Joshua 21:38 - "And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,"
"And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs," - Joshua 21:38
Joshua 10:38 - "¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:"
Joshua 15:38 - "And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,"
Jos 10:38 (KJVA) 38 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:
"And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel," - Joshua 15:38
"¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:" - Joshua 10:38
Joshua 19:38 - "And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages."
Joshua 24:21 - "And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD."
Numbers 14:38 - "But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still."
Jeremiah 38:21 - "But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:"
Luke 21:38 - "And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him."
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,"
Deuteronomy 1:38 - "But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."
Psalms 38:21 - "Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me."
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."
Job 38:21 - "Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?"
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,"
"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;"
Genesis 38:21 - "Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place."
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."