Joshua 20:4 - He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them.
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What does "Joshua 20:4" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:4 describes the procedure for a person who has accidentally killed someone to seek refuge in a city of refuge. Let's break it down:
"He shall flee to one of those cities..." This refers to the cities of refuge that God commanded to be set aside for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities provided sanctuary from the avenger of blood (a relative of the deceased who was responsible for seeking justice).
"...and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city..." The city gate was a public place where legal matters were often discussed and decisions were made. Standing at the gate signified that the person was seeking help and justice.
"...and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city." The elders were the leaders and judges of the city. The person seeking refuge was required to explain the circumstances of the killing to them, making it clear that it was accidental and not intentional.
"They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them." If the elders determined that the person had indeed committed accidental manslaughter, they were obligated to provide them with shelter and protection within the city of refuge. The person could then live safely in the city until the death of the current high priest.
In essence, this verse outlines a legal process designed to protect individuals who unintentionally caused death from being subjected to revenge killings. It emphasizes the importance of due process, ensuring that the accused had an opportunity to explain their case to the city's leaders, who would then decide whether they qualified for sanctuary. The city of refuge offered a place of safety and the assurance of a fair judgment.
Joshua 20:4 - He shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city. They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them.
What does "Joshua 20:4" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:4 describes the procedure for a person who has accidentally killed someone to seek refuge in a city of refuge. Let's break it down:
"He shall flee to one of those cities..." This refers to the cities of refuge that God commanded to be set aside for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities provided sanctuary from the avenger of blood (a relative of the deceased who was responsible for seeking justice).
"...and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city..." The city gate was a public place where legal matters were often discussed and decisions were made. Standing at the gate signified that the person was seeking help and justice.
"...and declare his case in the ears of the elders of that city." The elders were the leaders and judges of the city. The person seeking refuge was required to explain the circumstances of the killing to them, making it clear that it was accidental and not intentional.
"They shall take him into the city with them, and give him a place, that he may live among them." If the elders determined that the person had indeed committed accidental manslaughter, they were obligated to provide them with shelter and protection within the city of refuge. The person could then live safely in the city until the death of the current high priest.
In essence, this verse outlines a legal process designed to protect individuals who unintentionally caused death from being subjected to revenge killings. It emphasizes the importance of due process, ensuring that the accused had an opportunity to explain their case to the city's leaders, who would then decide whether they qualified for sanctuary. The city of refuge offered a place of safety and the assurance of a fair judgment.