Loading…
20:1–21:45 This chapter and the next describe, respectively, the six Israelite cities of refuge
|
and the 48 Levitical cities. A city of refuge was a Levitical city designated as a place of asylum for anyone who took the life of another person by accident (
20:2 cities of refuge See Num 35:9–34 and note.
20:4 the gate of the city The gate of a city in biblical times consisted of a towered entrance and a large open area where people gathered. City gates functioned similarly to a civic or community center; citizens often conducted business there (see Ruth 4:11; 1 Kgs 21:13). See Deut 21:19; Ruth 4:1–2.
20:6 the death of the one who is the high priest See Num 35:25, 28, 32.
20:7–8 These two verses list the six cities of refuge. There were three to the west of the Jordan (Josh 20:7) and three to the east (v. 8). |
20:7 Kedesh A city in Naphtali’s territory in Galilee (see 12:22; 19:37).
Shechem A city in Ephraim on the western border of Manasseh and Ephraim, in the central region of the land (see 17:2, 7).
Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron Located in the south (see 11:21; 14:13–15; 15:13–14).
20:8 Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho Moses had designated the three refuge cities east of the Jordan (Deut 4:41–43; compare Josh 21:27, 36, 38).
Bezer Located in Reuben’s territory, east of the Dead Sea.
Golan in the Bashan Located east of the Sea of Kinnereth (Galilee), in Manasseh.
20:9 the Israelites, and for the foreigners See vv. 4; Num 35:15.
congregation Likely refers to the council of elders.
|
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
| Copyright |
Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. |
| Support Info | fsb |