Joshua 20:9
These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.
Joshua 20:9 · King James Version
Meaning
Within the context of ancient Israelite society, cities of refuge served as a crucial element of their legal system. These cities were designated for the protection of individuals who unintentionally caused harm to others. The specific verse in question outlines the purpose of these cities: to provide a safe haven for anyone who accidentally caused the death of another person. In such cases, the individual could seek refuge in one of these designated cities and be protected from retribution by the avenger of blood, a close relative of the deceased responsible for seeking justice. The accused was granted a fair trial before the congregation of elders, ensuring that justice was served according to the laws of the time. This system of cities of refuge highlights the importance of mercy and fairness in the legal practices of ancient Israel, offering a balance between accountability for one's actions and the opportunity for redemption.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a provision made for the cities of refuge, designated by God for the children of Israel and the strangers among them. These cities were established to provide a place of safety for individuals who unintentionally killed someone. If someone found themselves in such a situation, they could flee to one of these cities and be protected from the avenger of blood, who would seek to take vengeance for the death of the individual. This demonstrates God's mercy and justice, as it allows for a fair trial before the congregation to determine if the death was accidental or intentional. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's concern for justice and protection of the innocent, as well as the importance of seeking refuge in Him in times of trouble. It also points to the concept of forgiveness and the opportunity for reconciliation in the midst of tragedy.
Joshua 20:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person unwittingly might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.
World English Bible
These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the alien who lives among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stands before the congregation.
Douay-Rheims
These cities were appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the strangers, that dwelt among them, that whosoever had killed a person unawares might flee to them, and not die by the hand of the kinsman, coveting to revenge the blood that was shed, until he should stand before the people to lay open his cause.
Geneva Bible (1599)
These were the cities appoynted for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that soiourned among them, that whosoeuer killed any person ignorantly, might flee thither, and not die by the hande of the auenger of blood, vntill hee stoode before the Congregation.