Joshua 20 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Joshua 20 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land began around 1450 B.C. and lasted approximately 5-7 years.

CHARACTERS:

• Joshua - Moses’ assistant while he led the people in the wilderness. God selected Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan after Moses’ death.

• Manslayer – A person who accidently kills another person.

• Avenger of Blood – A person seeking vengeance for the manslaughter of their friend or relative.

WHERE:

• Joshua 20 focuses on 6 cities of refuge which were established throughout Israel’s land.

• There were 3 cities of refuge west of the Jordan River and 3 cities east of the Jordan.

OUTLINE:

• CITIES OF REFUGE (20:1-9):

  • God told Joshua to appoint cities of refuge in the Promised Land.

  • These cities were specifically established to protect manslayers.

  • A person who accidently killed someone could run to one of these cities and receive protection from the “avenger of blood.”

  • You can read more about these cities in Numbers 35.

  • Six cities were established: Kadesh in Naphtali, Shechem in Ephraim, Hebron in Judah, Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gad, and Golan in Manasseh.