Old Testament
Joshua 20:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Israelites are establishing cities of refuge, which are designated places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
They designated Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are establishing cities of refuge, which are designated places where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety. The cities mentioned are Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kirjatharba (Hebron) in Judah. These locations were strategically chosen to provide accessible refuge across different regions of Israel. The cities of refuge were part of God's law to ensure justice and mercy, allowing individuals to escape revenge from the victim's family while awaiting a fair trial. This system reflects the importance of justice and protection in the community, emphasizing that even in cases of unintentional harm, there is a need for a safe haven and due process. The selection of these cities also highlights the geographical distribution of refuge, ensuring that no matter where someone was in Israel, they could find safety and a chance for a fair hearing.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 20:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of providing safe spaces for those in need. In our communities, we should strive to create environments where individuals can seek help and find justice, especially for those who may be vulnerable or in crisis.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 20:7 mean?
Joshua 20:7 describes the establishment of cities of refuge in Israel, specifically Kedesh, Shechem, and Kirjatharba (Hebron). These cities were designated for individuals who accidentally caused harm, allowing them to seek safety from revenge while awaiting a fair trial.
What is the significance of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:7?
The cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:7 were important for providing protection and justice for those who committed unintentional harm. They ensured that individuals could escape potential retaliation and have a chance for a fair hearing.
What are the cities listed in Joshua 20:7?
In Joshua 20:7, the cities listed as places of refuge are Kedesh in Galilee, Shechem in Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is also known as Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
How does Joshua 20:7 relate to justice and mercy?
Joshua 20:7 illustrates the balance of justice and mercy by providing a system where individuals who accidentally harmed others could find refuge. This reflects the community's commitment to protecting the vulnerable while ensuring that justice is served.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.