Old Testament
Joshua 20:8
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On the east side of the Jordan, near Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh.
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And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.
What Joshua 20:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are establishing cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River. These cities are important for providing safety to individuals who accidentally cause harm to others. Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan are named as specific locations designated for this purpose, each belonging to different tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. This allocation reflects the organization of the Israelite community and their commitment to justice and mercy. The cities serve as a sanctuary for those seeking protection from avengers, ensuring that they receive a fair trial rather than facing immediate retribution. This practice highlights the importance of mercy in the law and the need for a system that allows for due process, even in cases of unintentional wrongdoing.
How to apply Joshua 20:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to create safe spaces in our communities where individuals can seek refuge and support. It reminds us of the importance of mercy and justice in our interactions, urging us to provide help to those in need and to ensure fair treatment for all.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 20:8 mean?
Joshua 20:8 describes the establishment of cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan River, specifically Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. These cities were designated to provide safety for individuals who accidentally caused harm, allowing them to seek protection and a fair trial.
What is the significance of cities of refuge in Joshua 20:8?
The cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 20:8 are significant because they represent a system of justice and mercy in ancient Israel. They allowed individuals who committed unintentional harm to escape immediate retribution and seek a fair legal process.
What tribes are mentioned in Joshua 20:8?
In Joshua 20:8, the tribes mentioned are Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. Each tribe is associated with a specific city of refuge: Bezer for Reuben, Ramoth for Gad, and Golan for Manasseh.
How does Joshua 20:8 relate to justice and mercy?
Joshua 20:8 illustrates the principles of justice and mercy by establishing cities of refuge where individuals could find safety after causing accidental harm. This reflects the importance of providing fair treatment and due process in the community.
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