Set to dark modeSet to dark modeJoshua 20 Commentary
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Joshua is reminded God’s guidance endures, establishing justice and mercy in Israel’s new land.
God institutes sanctuaries of mercy for the preservation of justice and community well-being.
This verse highlights God’s balance of justice and mercy by providing a safe haven for those who have accidentally taken a life.
This verse highlights the importance of providing both protection and due process for those in need.
This verse shows God’s justice and compassion by shielding those who caused unintended harm.
God’s provision for accidental manslayers in Joshua 20:6 demonstrates both the justice and mercy woven into His law.
They are places of refuge, ensuring fair judgment and highlighting God’s care for justice.
Joshua 20:8 sets three cities of refuge east of the Jordan—Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan—ensuring fair justice for accidental killings.
This verse shows that God graciously provides justice and mercy for all who seek Him.
Joshua 1 begins with the LORD calling Joshua to succeed Moses as Israel’s next leader. The LORD tells Joshua He will be with him in all things, urging him to be firm and resolute as he leads the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land. Joshua obeys the LORD and takes two preliminary steps. First, he instructs the Israelite officers to prepare the people for the march. Second, he reminds the tribes who have claimed their portions east of the Jordan River that they must continue to aid in the conquest of Canaan. These three tribes had agreed with Moses to support the remaining Israelites in taking the west side of Jordan before settling in their allocated cities. The chapter ends with the eastern tribes pledging loyalty to Joshua and urging him to be bold as he leads the Israelites to the land of Canaan. The chapter’s outline is as follows:
- The LORD commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. God urges the new leader to meditate on the Scriptures consistently to be successful in all his endeavors (vv. 1–9).
- Joshua commands the Israelite officers to speak to the people to prepare them to cross the Jordan River and conquer the Promised Land (vv. 10–11).
- Joshua instructs the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who will settle east of the Jordan, to help their brothers fight until they conquer the land west of the Jordan (vv. 12–15).
- The eastern tribes agree to Joshua’s demands to help their fellow Israelites conquer the west side of Jordan before settling in their allotted cities. They promise to obey Joshua just as they obeyed Moses, and urge him to be strong and courageous to fulfill God’s calling on his life (vv. 16–18).
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