Joshua 20:6 - He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days. Then the man slayer shall return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city he fled from.’”
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What does "Joshua 20:6" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:6 is part of the instructions regarding cities of refuge established for those who committed unintentional manslaughter in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"He shall dwell in that city..." This refers to the person who committed manslaughter (the "man slayer"). They are obligated to stay within the boundaries of the designated city of refuge to protect themselves from blood avengers (relatives of the deceased who might seek to retaliate).
"...until he stands before the congregation for judgment..." The manslayer doesn't simply run and hide. They must be tried by the community to determine if the killing was truly accidental. If found guilty of intentional murder, they would be handed over to the blood avenger. If found to be an accident, they remain in the city of refuge.
"...until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days." This is a key point. The manslayer's time in the city of refuge is limited. It ends upon the death of the current High Priest. This death served as a kind of general atonement or release, potentially symbolizing the covering of sins (even unintentional ones) through sacrifice.
"Then the man slayer shall return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city he fled from." After the High Priest dies, the manslayer is free to return to their original home and resume their life without fear of the blood avenger.
In summary, the verse outlines the following:
1. Protection: The manslayer receives protection within the city of refuge.
2. Judgment: They are subject to community judgment to determine intent.
3. Limitation: Their exile is temporary, ending with the death of the High Priest.
4. Restoration: After the High Priest's death, they can return home and resume their life.
Significance and Interpretation:
Justice and Mercy: The system of cities of refuge balances the need for justice (addressing the loss of life) with the principle of mercy (distinguishing between accidental and intentional killing).
Atonement: The death of the High Priest is often seen as a form of atonement, both for the community and for the manslayer. It symbolically cleanses the land and allows for reconciliation.
Symbolism: Some interpret the High Priest's death as a prefigurement of Christ's sacrifice, which provides a way for all to be released from the consequences of sin.
Community Responsibility: The community plays a role in judging, protecting, and ultimately reintegrating the manslayer.
This verse reveals a complex system of justice, mercy, and atonement that was central to ancient Israelite society. It demonstrates an understanding of the difference between intentional and unintentional acts and seeks to provide a way to address the consequences of both.
Joshua 20:6 - He shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days. Then the man slayer shall return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city he fled from.’”
What does "Joshua 20:6" mean?
This verse from Joshua 20:6 is part of the instructions regarding cities of refuge established for those who committed unintentional manslaughter in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"He shall dwell in that city..." This refers to the person who committed manslaughter (the "man slayer"). They are obligated to stay within the boundaries of the designated city of refuge to protect themselves from blood avengers (relatives of the deceased who might seek to retaliate).
"...until he stands before the congregation for judgment..." The manslayer doesn't simply run and hide. They must be tried by the community to determine if the killing was truly accidental. If found guilty of intentional murder, they would be handed over to the blood avenger. If found to be an accident, they remain in the city of refuge.
"...until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days." This is a key point. The manslayer's time in the city of refuge is limited. It ends upon the death of the current High Priest. This death served as a kind of general atonement or release, potentially symbolizing the covering of sins (even unintentional ones) through sacrifice.
"Then the man slayer shall return, and come to his own city, and to his own house, to the city he fled from." After the High Priest dies, the manslayer is free to return to their original home and resume their life without fear of the blood avenger.
In summary, the verse outlines the following:
1. Protection: The manslayer receives protection within the city of refuge.
2. Judgment: They are subject to community judgment to determine intent.
3. Limitation: Their exile is temporary, ending with the death of the High Priest.
4. Restoration: After the High Priest's death, they can return home and resume their life.
Significance and Interpretation:
Justice and Mercy: The system of cities of refuge balances the need for justice (addressing the loss of life) with the principle of mercy (distinguishing between accidental and intentional killing).
Atonement: The death of the High Priest is often seen as a form of atonement, both for the community and for the manslayer. It symbolically cleanses the land and allows for reconciliation.
Symbolism: Some interpret the High Priest's death as a prefigurement of Christ's sacrifice, which provides a way for all to be released from the consequences of sin.
Community Responsibility: The community plays a role in judging, protecting, and ultimately reintegrating the manslayer.
This verse reveals a complex system of justice, mercy, and atonement that was central to ancient Israelite society. It demonstrates an understanding of the difference between intentional and unintentional acts and seeks to provide a way to address the consequences of both.