Finding Refuge in Christ: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Joshua 20 – Cities of Refuge Appointed

Executive Summary ✨

Joshua 20 delves into the divinely ordained establishment of cities of refuge, havens designed to protect those who unintentionally caused another’s death. This chapter, far beyond its literal interpretation, resonates profoundly with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s mercy, justice, and foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate refuge. We explore the selection process of these cities, their geographical significance, and their symbolic representation of repentance and atonement. The narrative provides a powerful lens through which to examine sin, forgiveness, and the unwavering grace offered through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us delve into the intricate details, drawing parallels to the New Testament and gleaning wisdom from the Church Fathers, understanding how to find our own spiritual cities of refuge in our everyday lives through repentance and faith, all while building a stronger spiritual foundation. Consider hosting a Bible study on our platform – Dohost.us offers cost-effective hosting.

Introduction 📖

Joshua 20 details the implementation of a vital aspect of God’s law – the creation of cities of refuge. These cities, strategically located throughout the Promised Land, served as sanctuaries for individuals who accidentally caused a death. This chapter isn’t merely a historical account; it is a profound theological statement about God’s justice tempered with mercy, a concept central to Coptic Orthodox theology. We’ll explore how these cities prefigure Christ, our ultimate refuge from the consequences of sin, and how we can apply these ancient lessons to our modern spiritual journey. This concept of finding cities of refuge remains relevant today.

Commentary: Verse by Verse

Joshua 20:1-2 (KJV)

Joshua 20:1 (KJV): The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,
Joshua 20:2 (KJV): Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

This passage highlights the divine imperative behind the cities of refuge. God commanded Joshua to establish these cities, reinforcing their significance as more than just a practical measure; they were a reflection of God’s will and character. The phrase “whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses” anchors this command firmly in the Law, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. Spiritually, this reminds us that all aspects of our lives, even those related to legal and social structures, should be guided by divine principles.

Practical Application: Seek God’s guidance in every aspect of life, knowing that even seemingly mundane decisions can have profound spiritual implications. Strive for obedience, knowing it aligns us with His divine will.

Joshua 20:3 (KJV)

Joshua 20:3 (KJV): That the slayer that killeth any person at unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

The purpose of the cities is explicitly stated: to protect those who accidentally caused a death from the “avenger of blood” – a relative tasked with exacting revenge. This system aimed to prevent cycles of violence and maintain order within the community. The phrase “at unawares and unwittingly” is crucial. It emphasizes that these cities were not for premeditated murderers but for those who committed manslaughter due to negligence or accident. This verse reveals the importance of due process and the pursuit of justice tempered with mercy. 🕊️

Origen, in his homilies on Joshua, speaks of the “avenger of blood” as representing the temptations that constantly pursue us. He says: “Διότι ο φονεύς, ο φονεύσας ἀκουσίως, ἔχει πόλεις καταφυγῆς, ἵνα ἐν αὐταῖς διασωθῇ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἐκδικητοῦ τοῦ αἵματος.” (Homiliae in Iesu Nave, 17.3) – “Therefore, the slayer, having killed unintentionally, has cities of refuge, so that in them he might be saved from the avenger of blood.”

Practical Application: Recognize the unintentional harm we can inflict on others through our words and actions. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and extend grace to those who have unintentionally wronged us. Remember, Christ is our ultimate refuge from the consequences of our sins.

Joshua 20:4-6 (KJV)

Joshua 20:4 (KJV): And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.
Joshua 20:5 (KJV): And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
Joshua 20:6 (KJV): And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

This detailed process outlines the procedures for seeking refuge. The accused had to present their case to the elders at the city gate, a place of public deliberation and justice. The elders then had to assess the situation and determine if the individual qualified for refuge. This highlights the importance of communal discernment and the protection of the innocent. The slayer remained in the city until the death of the high priest, at which point he was free to return home. The death of the high priest, in this context, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, through His death, liberates us from the bondage of sin and death. ✨

Practical Application: Submit to the wisdom of the Church and its leaders for guidance and discernment. Recognize the authority of those appointed to judge and guide us in matters of faith and morality. Remember that Christ’s sacrifice has freed us from the ultimate penalty of sin.

Joshua 20:7-9 (KJV)

Joshua 20:7 (KJV): And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
Joshua 20:8 (KJV): And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan of the tribe of Manasseh.
Joshua 20:9 (KJV): 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.

The specific cities of refuge are named, carefully distributed throughout the land on both sides of the Jordan River. This strategic placement ensured that every Israelite had relatively easy access to a city of refuge. The inclusion of “the stranger that sojourneth among them” emphasizes that God’s mercy and justice extended to all who sought refuge, regardless of their ethnicity or origin. This is a testament to the universality of God’s love and the importance of providing sanctuary to those in need. 🌍

St. Augustine wrote about the significance of physical places of refuge as symbolic of a deeper, spiritual refuge in God: “Non est ergo in montibus et in rupibus securitas, sed in Deo.” (Enarrationes in Psalmos, Psalm 61:7) – “Therefore, security is not in mountains and rocks, but in God.”

Practical Application: Extend hospitality and compassion to all, regardless of their background or status. Strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking help and support. Remember that God’s love embraces all of humanity.

The Cities of Refuge as Types of Christ

The cities of refuge, while literal places, also function as potent symbols, prefiguring Christ in several key ways:

• Sanctuary from Wrath: Just as the cities offered refuge from the avenger of blood, Christ offers refuge from God’s wrath against sin.
• Unintentional Sin: The cities protected those who committed accidental manslaughter. Similarly, Christ provides atonement for unintentional sins and weaknesses.
• Accessibility: The cities were strategically located throughout the land, making them accessible to all. Christ’s grace is also accessible to all who seek Him.
• Temporary Refuge: The refuge was temporary, lasting until the death of the high priest. Christ’s sacrifice, however, provides eternal refuge.
• Judgment and Justice: The accused had to present their case to the elders, signifying judgment. Christ also judges our actions and intentions, offering grace and forgiveness to those who repent.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why were cities of refuge necessary if the accidental killer was not truly guilty?

A: The concept of the “avenger of blood” was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture. Even in cases of accidental death, the family of the deceased felt obligated to seek retribution. The cities of refuge provided a legal and social mechanism to prevent cycles of violence and protect the unintentional killer while ensuring justice was served.

Q: What does the death of the high priest signify in the context of the cities of refuge?

A: The death of the high priest symbolized a period of transition and cleansing. It marked the end of the slayer’s confinement and allowed him to return home, free from the threat of the avenger. Theologically, it prefigures Christ’s death as the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from our sins and frees us from the bondage of death.

Q: How does the concept of cities of refuge apply to us today?

A: While we no longer have literal cities of refuge, the principle remains relevant. We can find refuge in Christ from the consequences of our sins through repentance and faith. The Church, the sacraments, and the community of believers can also serve as spiritual “cities of refuge,” providing support, guidance, and protection in times of need. 💡

Conclusion

Joshua 20, with its decree regarding cities of refuge, is more than just a legal or historical text; it’s a powerful testament to God’s justice, mercy, and foreshadowing of the ultimate refuge found in Christ. These cities represent a divine system designed to protect the innocent while preventing cycles of violence, a testament to God’s desire for order and justice in a fallen world. Each city, strategically placed, offered a haven, symbolizing the accessibility of God’s grace to all who seek it. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we recognize in this ancient practice a prefigurement of Christ, our High Priest, whose sacrifice liberates us from the avenger of sin and death. Let us strive to create spiritual cities of refuge in our own communities, extending compassion, forgiveness, and support to those in need, mirroring the boundless love and mercy of our Savior. This principle of offering refuge applies to how we conduct our lives today.

Tags

Joshua 20, Cities of Refuge, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Old Testament, Christ, Mercy, Justice, Atonement

Meta Description

Explore Joshua 20 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover the spiritual significance of the cities of refuge, foreshadowing Christ and His mercy. Learn how to find your own spiritual refuge.