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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Joshua 20  › Joshua 20:8

Joshua 20:8

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Joshua 20:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And on the east side of Jordan at Jericho, they made selection of Bezer in the waste land, in the table-land, 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.

Free Bible Version FBV

On the other side of the Jordan, east of Jericho, they assigned: Bezer, in the wilderness on the plateau, from the tribe of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead, from the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And on the other side Iorden toward Iericho Eastward, they appoynted Bezer in the wildernesse vpon the plaine, 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.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and beyond the Jordan, [at] Jericho eastward, they have given Bezer in the wilderness, in 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.

World English Bible WEB

Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And on the other side of 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And beyond the Jordan to the east of Jericho, they appointed Bosor, which is upon the plain of the wilderness of the tribe of Ruben, and Ramoth in Galaad of the tribe of Cad, and Gaulon in Basan of the tribe of Manasses.

Translation for Translators T4T

Bezer, on the east side of the Jordan River near Jericho, in the flat land in the desert where the tribe of Reuben lived; Ramoth in the Gilead region in the land where the tribe of Gad lived; and Golan in the Bashan region where the tribe of Manasseh lived.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 20:8

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מֵ/עֵ֜בֶר לְ/יַרְדֵּ֤ן יְרִיחוֹ֙ מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה נָתְנ֞וּ אֶת בֶּ֧צֶר בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר בַּ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר מִ/מַּטֵּ֣ה רְאוּבֵ֑ן וְ/אֶת רָאמֹ֤ת בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙ מִ/מַּטֵּה גָ֔ד וְ/אֶת גלון גּוֹלָ֥ן בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן מִ/מַּטֵּ֥ה מְנַשֶּֽׁה
וּ/מֵ/עֵ֜בֶר ʻêber H5676 side Conj | Prep | N-ms
לְ/יַרְדֵּ֤ן Yardên H3383 Jordan Prep | N-proper
יְרִיחוֹ֙ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 Jericho N-proper
מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה mizrâch H4217 east N-ms | Suff
נָתְנ֞וּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בֶּ֧צֶר Betser H1221 Bezer N-proper
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
בַּ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר mîyshôwr H4334 plain Prep | N-ms
מִ/מַּטֵּ֣ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms
רְאוּבֵ֑ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 Reuben N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
רָאמֹ֤ת Râʼmôwth H7216 Ramoth N-proper
בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead Prep | N-proper
מִ/מַּטֵּה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms
גָ֔ד Gâd H1410 Gad N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
גלון Gôwlân H1474 Golan N-proper
גּוֹלָ֥ן Gôwlân H1474 Golan N-proper
בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן Bâshân H1316 Bashan Prep | N-proper
מִ/מַּטֵּ֥ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms
מְנַשֶּֽׁה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 Moses N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 20:8

וּ/מֵ/עֵ֜בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
לְ/יַרְדֵּ֤ן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Prep | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
יְרִיחוֹ֙ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 "Jericho" N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה mizrâch H4217 "east" N-ms | Suff
This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.
Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.
נָתְנ֞וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֶּ֧צֶר Betser H1221 "Bezer" N-proper
Bezer was a man from the tribe of Asher and also the name of a place in Palestine, meaning gold ore or remote fortress. It is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:37.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.37; son of: Zophah (H6690); brother of: Suah (H5477), Harnepher (H2774), Shual (H7777B), Beri (H1275), Imrah (H3236), Hod (H1936), Shamma (H8037H), Shilshah (H8030), Ithran (H3506H) and Beera (H0878) § Bezer = "gold ore" or "remote fortress" 1) son of Zophah, one of the heads of the houses of Asher 2) a city of refuge in Reuben in the downs on the east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Bezer. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 21:36; 1 Chronicles 7:37.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
בַּ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר mîyshôwr H4334 "plain" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.
Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.
מִ/מַּטֵּ֣ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
רְאוּבֵ֑ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 "Reuben" N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רָאמֹ֤ת Râʼmôwth H7216 "Ramoth" N-proper
Ramoth is a place name in the Bible, meaning heights, and is associated with a city in the region of Issachar. It is mentioned in the books of Joshua and 1 Kings.
Definition: Ramoth = "heights" a Levitical city in Issachar Another spelling of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Ramoth. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; 1 Chronicles 6:58; 1 Chronicles 6:65.
בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" Prep | N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
מִ/מַּטֵּה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
גָ֔ד Gâd H1410 "Gad" N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גלון Gôwlân H1474 "Golan" N-proper
Golan is a place east of the Jordan River, mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:43 as a city of refuge. It was part of the land given to the tribe of Manasseh.
Definition: § Golan = "their captivity: their rejoicing" a town of Manasseh in the heights of Bashan east of the Jordan; a city of refuge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Golan. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 21:27; 1 Chronicles 6:56.
גּוֹלָ֥ן Gôwlân H1474 "Golan" N-proper
Golan is a place east of the Jordan River, mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:43 as a city of refuge. It was part of the land given to the tribe of Manasseh.
Definition: § Golan = "their captivity: their rejoicing" a town of Manasseh in the heights of Bashan east of the Jordan; a city of refuge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Golan. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 21:27; 1 Chronicles 6:56.
בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן Bâshân H1316 "Bashan" Prep | N-proper
Bashan was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was known for its fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant area.
Definition: § Bashan = "fruitful" a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Bashan. See also: Numbers 21:33; Joshua 21:27; Psalms 22:13.
מִ/מַּטֵּ֥ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
מְנַשֶּֽׁה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 "Moses" N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.

Study Notes — Joshua 20:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 6:78 From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah,
2 Joshua 21:36 From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,
3 Joshua 21:27 This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
4 Joshua 21:38 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim,
5 Deuteronomy 4:43 Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
6 1 Kings 22:3–4 who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?” So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am like you, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
7 1 Kings 22:6 So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”
8 1 Chronicles 6:80 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim,

Joshua 20:8 Summary

Joshua 20:8 describes the designation of three cities - Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan - as cities of refuge, where individuals who had unintentionally killed someone could flee to avoid punishment. This concept of a safe haven is still relevant today, as we can find refuge and safety in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and salvation, as expressed in Psalm 46:1. Just as the cities of refuge were accessible to both Israelites and foreigners, God's love and mercy are available to all people, regardless of their background or nationality, as seen in John 3:16. By studying this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's heart of mercy and justice, and learn to apply these principles in our own lives, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Joshua 20:8?

The cities of Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan were designated as cities of refuge, where individuals who had unintentionally killed someone could flee to avoid punishment, as explained in Joshua 20:8 and supported by Numbers 35:14, which also mentions the establishment of cities of refuge beyond the Jordan.

Why were these specific cities chosen for this purpose?

The cities were likely chosen due to their strategic locations and accessibility, allowing individuals from various tribes to reach them, as seen in the geographical distribution of the cities in Joshua 20:7-8, with Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan being located in the territories of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, respectively.

How does this concept of cities of refuge relate to the concept of salvation in the Bible?

The cities of refuge can be seen as a type or shadow of the ultimate refuge and salvation found in Jesus Christ, as expressed in Hebrews 6:18, where believers are encouraged to take hold of the hope set before them, just as the manslayer would take refuge in the city, and in Psalm 46:1, which describes God as a refuge and strength for His people.

What can we learn from the fact that these cities were designated for both Israelites and foreigners?

This highlights God's heart of mercy and justice, as well as His desire to provide protection and refuge for all people, regardless of their background or nationality, as seen in Leviticus 19:34, which instructs the Israelites to love the foreigner as themselves, and in Galatians 3:28, which declares that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the concept of a 'city of refuge' teach me about God's character and heart towards those who are vulnerable or in need?
  2. How can I apply the principle of providing refuge and safety for others in my own life and community, just as the Israelites were instructed to do in Numbers 35:11-12?
  3. What are some ways in which I can be a source of comfort and refuge for those around me, just as the cities of refuge were intended to be, as described in Isaiah 32:18, which speaks of a future time of peace and safety?
  4. In what ways can I, like the manslayer, find refuge and safety in Jesus Christ, and how can I share this hope with others, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, which speaks of waiting for Jesus to deliver us from the coming wrath?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward,.... In the country possessed by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh: they assigned Bezer in the wilderness, upon the plain,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 20:8

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 20:8

They assigned, or gave, or had assigned, or given; for they were given by Moses, , &c.; or they confirmed Moses’ s grant, and applied them to that use to which Moses designed and separated them.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 20:8

Joshua 20:8 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.Ver. 8. They assigned Bezer.] That is, They confirmed and ratified them according as Moses had assigned, and set them apart for such a use.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 20:8

8. Bezer] was the most southerly of the cities chosen on the east of the Jordan. It was in the same latitude as Jericho. in the wilderness upon the plain] On or near the upland “downs” of Reuben, probably not far from Heshbon. With the other two cities on the east of Jordan Bezer had been selected by Moses for this purpose at the time of the conquest of Gilead and Bashan (Deuteronomy 4:43). Ramoth in Gilead] is called Ramath-mizpeh in ch. Joshua 13:26. This town (= the heights of Gilead) was one of the great fortresses on the east of Jordan, and commanded the region of Argob and the towns of Jair (see above, ch. Joshua 13:26). It is probable also it was the spot where Jacob made his covenant with Laban (Genesis 31:43-53). For subsequent notices of it see (a) 1 Kings 4:13; (b) 1 Kings 15:17-22; (c) 2 Kings 9:14. Golan in Bashan] was the most northerly city chosen on the east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:43). Its very site is now unknown, though once a place of great power and influence, which gave its name to a province, Gaulanitis, east of Galilee, = the modern Jaulân. The district was once densely populated, but is now almost completely deserted.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 20:8

8. By Jericho — Literally, Beyond Jordan, Jericho eastward. The sense is, the side of Jordan opposite from Jericho. These eastern cities were appointed by Moses. See at Deuteronomy 4:41-43. On Ramoth, see Joshua 13:26, note.

Sermons on Joshua 20:8

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen Ahab Exposed by Erlo Stegen Erlo Stegen's sermon 'Ahab Exposed' warns against the dangers of false prophets and the consequences of turning away from God, as exemplified by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Ahab,
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