The Cities of Refuge

Northwest Bible Church – Feb. 9, 2025 – Joshua – Alan Conner

Joshua 20

Cities of Refuge

Intro

 

A. THE PURPOSE AND TERMS OF THE CITIES OF REFUGE (Joshua 20:1-6).

1. The LORD gives instructions for the cities of refuge (Joshua 20:1-3).   

2. Procedure (Joshua 20:4-6):

a. Flee to a city of refuge.  

b. Stand at the entrance of the gate and state his case before the elders.

c. If reasonable, he will be taken in to dwell among them until a trial.

d. He shall stand trial. Deut. 19:12; Numb. 35:12, 25.    

3. Duration (Joshua 20:6).

a. If found guilty.

b. If found innocent.

4. Examples:  Numb. 35:22=23; Deut. 19:5-6.

B.  6 CITIES OF REFUGE (Joshua 20:7-8).

1. Kedesh, Shechem, Kiriath arba (Hebron) on west of Jordan (Joshua 20:7).   

2. Beser, Ramoth, Golan on the east side of Jordan (Joshua 20:8).

C. WHO COULD MAKE USE OF THE CITIES OF REFUGE?

1. “All the sons of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them” (Joshua 20:9).

2. Why sojourners?

LESSONS

1. The sacredness of human life.    

2. The significance of the death of the high priest.   

3. Christ our Refuge.  

For Discussion:  Why did God establish cities of refuge?  Why is their location important?  How do we see God’s justice and mercy in these cities?   How do the cities of refuge prefigure the work of Christ.