Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, New Living Translation “Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses. English Standard Version “Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, Berean Standard Bible “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, King James Bible Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: New King James Version “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, New American Standard Bible “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, NASB 1995 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, NASB 1977 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, Legacy Standard Bible “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses, Amplified Bible “Speak to the Israelites, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge (asylum), of which I spoke to you through Moses, Christian Standard Bible “Tell the Israelites: Select your cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, Holman Christian Standard Bible Tell the Israelites: Select your cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, American Standard Version Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by Moses, Contemporary English Version When Moses was still alive, I commanded him to tell the Israelites about the Safe Towns. Now you tell them that it is time to set up these towns. English Revised Version Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: GOD'S WORD® Translation "Tell the people of Israel, 'Now choose for yourselves the cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses. Good News Translation to say to the people of Israel, "Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about. International Standard Version "Tell the people of Israel to set apart cities of refuge about which I spoke to you through Moses, Majority Standard Bible ?Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, NET Bible "Have the Israelites select the cities of refuge that I told you about through Moses. New Heart English Bible "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses, Webster's Bible Translation Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint for you cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses: World English Bible “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses, Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, Give cities of refuge for yourselves, as I have spoken to you by the hand of Moses, Young's Literal Translation 'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, Give for you cities of refuge, as I have spoken unto you by the hand of Moses, Smith's Literal Translation Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, Ye shall give to yourselves cities of refuge which I spake to you by the hand of Moses: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAppoint cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses: Catholic Public Domain Version Separate the cities of refuge, about which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses, New American Bible Tell the Israelites: Designate for yourselves the cities of refuge of which I spoke to you through Moses, New Revised Standard Version “Say to the Israelites, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSpeak to the children of Israel, saying, Reserve for you cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through my servant Moses; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Say to the children of Israel: “Leave for yourselves cities for salvation, according to what I said to you by the hand of my Servant Moshe OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Speak to the children of Israel, saying: Assign you the cities of refuge, whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses; Brenton Septuagint Translation Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Six Cities of Refuge1Then the LORD said to Joshua, 2“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.… Cross References Numbers 35:9-15 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ... Deuteronomy 19:1-13 When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ... Exodus 21:13 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. Numbers 35:6 Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. Acts 17:30-31 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. / For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” Psalm 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. 1 Chronicles 6:57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. 1 Kings 2:28-34 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ... Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Isaiah 4:6 a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain. Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Treasury of Scripture Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spoke to you by the hand of Moses: Appoint Exodus 21:13,14 And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee… Numbers 35:6,11-14 And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities… Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; … your refuge Numbers 35:15-24 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither… Jump to Previous Appoint Assign Children Cities Designate Hand Israel Israelites Marked Moses Mouth Places Refuge Safe Speak Towns WhereofJump to Next Appoint Assign Children Cities Designate Hand Israel Israelites Marked Moses Mouth Places Refuge Safe Speak Towns WhereofJoshua 20 1. God commands7. and the children of Israel appoint the six cities of refuge Tell the Israelites This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of communication between God and His chosen leader. It reflects the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the responsibility of Joshua to guide the people according to God's instructions. The Israelites, as God's covenant people, are reminded of their unique relationship with Him and their obligation to follow His commands. to designate the cities of refuge as I instructed you through Moses Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and implementing God's laws, including the establishment of cities of refuge. 2. Israelites The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering and settling in the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. 3. Cities of Refuge Specific cities designated by God through Moses and Joshua where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and receive a fair trial. 4. Moses The prophet and leader who received the Law from God, including the instructions for the cities of refuge, which Joshua is now implementing. 5. Promised Land The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, where the Israelites are now settling and establishing their society according to God's laws. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a system to protect the innocent while ensuring justice is served. The Importance of Obedience Joshua's role in implementing God's instructions highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands for the well-being of the community. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety, Christ is our refuge, offering spiritual safety and salvation to those who seek Him. Community Responsibility The establishment of these cities underscores the community's role in upholding justice and providing protection for its members. Intentionality in God's Law The specific designation of cities shows God's intentionality in His laws, ensuring that they are practical and accessible for His people. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Tellדַּבֵּ֛ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue the Israelites בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son to designate תְּנ֤וּ (tə·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the cities עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of refuge, הַמִּקְלָ֔ט (ham·miq·lāṭ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum as אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I instructed דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי (dib·bar·tî) Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue you through בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand Moses, מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver Links Joshua 20:2 NIVJoshua 20:2 NLT Joshua 20:2 ESV Joshua 20:2 NASB Joshua 20:2 KJV Joshua 20:2 BibleApps.com Joshua 20:2 Biblia Paralela Joshua 20:2 Chinese Bible Joshua 20:2 French Bible Joshua 20:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 20:2 Speak to the children of Israel saying (Josh. 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