Josué 20

Josué 20

Morris points out that " All the cities of refuge were located at high elevations, (ED: PRESUMABLY) so they could be seen from a great distance. They were also located so that everyone was within a day's journey from at least one of them. Furthermore, "whosoever" (Joshua 20:9) needed to flee to one of the cities was free to do so, whether he was an Israelite or not (ED: THIS REMINDS ONE OF THE ULTIMATE "REFUGE" CHRIST ALLUDED TO IN JOEL 2:32+ WHICH DECLARES THAT "whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered." cf Ro 10:13+) Utley “set apart Kedesh in Galilee” This is a play on the Hebrew word “holy,” which means “set apart” (qadash). It is the root of the name “Kedesh”. (qedesh) The word “holy” means “to be set apart by God for a specific purpose” (e.g., Jer. 1:5). (Commentary) Encyclopedia Britannica - Shechem was important in ancient Palestine because of its position in an east-west pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (Arabic: Jabal al-Ṭūr and Jabal ʿAybāl, respectively), one of the few such routes in Palestine’s hill country.... The city is mentioned in Egyptian documents of the 19th century BCE....Later, after King Solomon’s death, the 10 northern tribes of Israel revolted in Shechem against Solomon’s son Rehoboam and installed Jeroboam as king in his place (I Kings 12). After the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel (722 BCE), the city of Shechem declined. It was important in the Hellenistic period, during which it was a centre of Samaritan worship, until their temple on adjacent Mount Gerizim was destroyed by the Maccabean ruler John Hyrcanus (reigned 135/134–104 BCE). Bush - (1) That they were located at convenient distances from each other for the benefit of the several tribes. So of those here mentioned, Kedesh was in the northern, Shechem in the central, and Hebron in the southern district of Canaan. (2) They were all Levitical cities; which appears to have been so ordered, that the cases of manslaughter might come under the cognizance of those who might be presumed to be most thoroughly versed in the law of God, and most competent to give judgment according to it, and who, moreover, would be less likely than any others to be swayed by private bias in their decisions. Compare Deut. 21:5, where it is said of the priests, the sons of Levi, that ‘by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried.’ See also to the same purpose, Deut. 17:8–13, and the Notes on Deut. 33:9, 10. (Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua ) G F MacLear gives details about the cities of refuge as gleaned from traditional Jewish sources... Jewish commentators tell us how in later times, in order that the asylum offered to the involuntary homicide might be more secure—(a) the roads leading to the cities of refuge were always kept in thorough repair, and required to be about 32 cubits (about 48 feet) broad; (b) all obstructions were removed that might stay the flier’s foot or hinder his speed; (c) no hillock was left, no river was allowed over which there was not a bridge; (d) at every turning there were posts erected bearing the words ‘Refuge,’ to guide the unhappy man in his flight; (e) when once settled in such a city the manslayer had a convenient habitation assigned to him, and the citizens were to teach him some trade that he might support himself. (The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Joshua 21) Kedesh - Holman Bible Dictionary A Canaanite town in eastern Galilee defeated by Joshua (Joshua 12:22 ). The town was allotted to Naphtali (Joshua 19:32 ,Joshua 19:32,19:37 ) and was called Kedesh in Naphtali (Judges 4:6 ). It was also called Kedesh in Galilee and given to the Gershonite Levites as one of their cities (Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:32 ). See Judges 4:6 ) and the place where Deborah and Barak gathered their forces for battle (Judges 4:1-10 ). Heber the Kenite pitched his tent in the vicinity where Sisera met his death at the hands of Jael, Heber's wife (Judges 4:21; Judges 5:24-27 ). Kedesh in Naphtali was captured by Tiglath-pileser III during the reign of Pekah of Israel. The inhabitants were exiled to Assyria (2 Kings 15:29 ). Usually identified with modern khirbet Qedish, about two miles south of Tiberias. Shechem - Holman Bible Dictionary place name meaning, “shoulder, back.” District and city in the hill country of Ephraim in north central Palestine. The first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, the city was built mainly on the slope, or shoulder, of Mount Ebal. Situated where main highways and ancient trade routes converged, Shechem was an important city long before the Israelites occupied Canaan. The city makes its earliest appearance in biblical history in connection with Abram's arrival in the land (Genesis 12:6-7 ). When Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, he settled down at Shechem and purchased land from the sons of Hamor (Genesis 33:18-19 ). In Genesis 33-34 , Shechem was the name of the city and also of the prince of the city. While Jacob was at Shechem, the unfortunate incident of Dinah occurred. Simeon and Levi, her full brothers, destroyed the city (Genesis 34:1 ). Later, the brothers of Joseph were herding Jacob's flock at Shechem when Joseph was sent to check on their welfare. Joseph was buried in the plot of ground that his father Jacob had purchased here (Joshua 24:32 ). As the Israelites conquered Canaan, they turned unexpectedly to Shechem. Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal and led the people in its building, renewing their commitment to the law of Moses (Joshua 8:30-35; compare Deuteronomy 27:12-13 ). Shechem lay in the tribal territory of Ephraim near their border with Manasseh (Joshua 17:7 ). It was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ) and a Levitical city (Joshua 21:21 ). See Joshua 24:1-17 ). Gideon's son Abimelech fought the leaders of Shechem (Judges 8:31-9:49 ). Rehoboam, successor to King Solomon, went to Shechem to be crowned king over all Israel (1 Kings 12:1 ). Later, when the nation divided into two kingdoms, Shechem became the first capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:25 ). Samaria eventually became the permanent political capital of the Northern Kingdom, but Shechem retained its religious importance. It apparently was a sanctuary for worship of God in Hosea's time about 750 B.C. (1 Kings 6:9 ). The name Shechem occurs in historical records and other sources outside Palestine. It is mentioned as a city captured by Senusert III of Egypt (before 1800 B.C.) and appears in the Egyptian cursing texts of about the same time. “The mountain of Shechem” is referred to in a satirical letter of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Shechem also figures in the Amarna Letters; its ruler, Lab'ayu, and his sons were accused of acting against Egypt, though the ruler protested that he was absolutely loyal to the pharaoh. Hebron - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name and personal name meaning “association” or “league.” A major city in the hill country of Judah about nineteen miles south of Jerusalem and fifteen miles west of the Dead Sea. The region is over 3,000 feet above sea level. The surrounding area has an abundant water supply, and its rich soil is excellent for agriculture. According to archaeological research the site has been occupied almost continuously since about 3300 B.C. After his separation from Lot, Abraham moved to Hebron. At that time the area was known as Mamre and was associated with the Amorites (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 23:19 ). Abraham apparently remained at Mamre until after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. When Sarah died, the place was called Kirjath-arba; and the population was predominantly Hittite (Genesis 23:2; Joshua 14:15; Joshua 15:54; Judges 1:10 ). From them Abraham purchased a field with a burial plot inside a nearby cave. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah were buried there (Genesis 23:19; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 49:31; Genesis 50:13 ).Four centuries later, when Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan, the tribe of Anak lived in Hebron. According to Numbers 13:22 Hebron was “built” seven years prior to Zoan, the Egyptian city of Tanis. Archaeological evidence suggests that the reference was to Tanis' establishment as the Hyksos capital around 1725 B.C. and not its beginning. Indeed both cities already were inhabited long before 2000 B.C. Therefore, the date may indicate that it was rebuilt by the Hyksos at that time, or it may specify when Hebron became a Canaanite city. After the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Hebron was given to Caleb ( Joshua 14:9-13 ). It also became a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ). Later, Samson put the gates of Gaza on a hill outside of Hebron (Judges 16:3 ).After the death of Saul, David settled in the city (2 Samuel 2:3 ) and made it his capital during the seven years he ruled only Judah (1 Kings 2:11 ). His son, Absalom, launched an abortive revolt against David from Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10 ). Between 922,915 B.C. Rehoboam fortified the city as a part of Judah's defense network (2 Chronicles 11:5-10 ). According to inscriptions found on pottery fragments, royal pottery was made in the city between 800,700 B.C.When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 587 B.C., the Edomites captured Hebron. It was not recaptured until Judas Maccabeus sacked the city in 164 B.C. Although Herod the Great erected pretentious structures there, no mention of the city is made in the New Testament. The city was raided by both Jewish revolutionaries and Roman legions in A.D. 68 during the Jewish Revolt. Hebron is still an important city today. Except for during the Crusades, the Muslims have ruled the city since A.D. 635. It is venerated by the Arabs because of the tombs of the patriarchs. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 7-9. These cities, as those also on the other side Jordan, stood so that a man might in half a day reach one of them from any part of the country. God is ever a Refuge at hand. They were all Levites' cities. It was kindness to the poor fugitive, that when he might not go up to the house of the Lord, yet he had the servants of God with him, to instruct him, and pray for him, and to help to make up the want of public ordinances. Some observe a significance in the names of these cities with application to Christ our Refuge. Kedesh signifies holy, and our Refuge is the holy Jesus. Shechem, a shoulder, and the government is upon his shoulder. Hebron, fellowship, and believers are called into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord. Bezer, a fortification, for he is a strong hold to all those that trust in him. Ramoth, high or exalted, for Him hath God exalted with his own right hand. Golan, joy or exultation, for in Him all the saints are justified, and shall glory. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 20 And they appointed. Heb. יקדשו yakdishu, (qadash) sanctified, consecrated; a term implying the peculiar sacredness which God would have attached in the minds of his people to this institution. Accordingly they are sometimes, though not perhaps by the sacred writers, called sanctuaries. In mount Naphtali. Or, Heb. ‘in the mountain,’ i. e. the mountainous region or district of Naphtali; and so in respect to the two other places mentioned. They were situated on high hills that they might be more conspicuous at a distance. It may also be remarked of these cities, Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge Now, not only do I want you to think about the saving nature of these cities, but think with me about the significant names of these cities. Look with me … Let’s begin and look at the names of these cities, because remember the Bible says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10). Shechem: Christ Is a Helpful Place Now, what’s the name of the next city? Shechem. Do you know what the name Shechem means? It means “shoulder” or “strength.” Now, not only is Christ a holy place; Christ is a helpful place, because the Bible says of our Savior, “And the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). Remember there in the parable of the lost sheep when the good shepherd went out and found that sheep? What did he do? He laid it upon his shoulders and brought it back home safely. And friend, that’s the way I’m going to Heaven—upon the shoulders of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was a sheep with six legs (four of his own and two of the Savior), going on back to the sheepfold, because He is the One who carries our burdens. So, you’ve said, “Holy place.” Now, I want you to say, “Helpful place”—“helpful place.” Christ is a helpful place. Do you need strength? The glory of the Lord … “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). And, when you come to Him for refuge, He will give you strength because not only is He Christ our Savior, the holy place; He is Christ our strength, the helpful place. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Adrian Rogers Kedesh: Christ Is the Holy Place First of all, in verse 7, there’s the word Kedesh (Joshua 20:7), and you know what that word means? It means “holiness”—“holiness,” and it speaks of Christ our dear, sinless, holy Savior. And so, when you think of Kedesh, think of a holy place. Say it: “holy place.” Say it again: “holy place.” Jesus is a holy place. You see, the Bible says of our dear Savior, He is holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26). He’s clean and pure, and that’s the reason He can save. You know, you can’t get dirty clothes clean if you wash them in dirty water. There’s no other sinner that can be our Savior. We need a holy person, and that’s the person the Bible says in Zechariah chapter 13 and verse 1: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). And again, the Bible says in Hebrews 12, verse 14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Now folks, if you are not holy, you’re going to Hell. And, your only hope of holiness is for God to make you holy through the Lord Jesus Christ, so this very first place that we’re talking about speaks of Christ our Savior, a holy place—Christ our Savior. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Adrian Rogers - .Hebron: Christ Is a Harmonious Place The name of the next city is Hebron. Do you know what the name Hebron means? Fellowship—fellowship. Not only is He Christ our Savior, and not only is He Christ our strength; but friend, He’s Christ our satisfaction. The Bible says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another” (1 John 1:7). You see, Christ is a harmonious place. Say, “Harmonious place,” because there is harmony; there is peace. We are as one with Him. He has made peace through the blood of His Christ—through the blood of His cross—and through Him we do have that oneness that we want—that harmony. He has put that harmony in our souls, and we are at one with our Lord because He is a holy place, He is a helpful place, He is a harmonious place. He is Christ our Savior. He is Christ our strength. He is Christ our satisfaction. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 20:8 Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. Bezer: Jos 21:36 De 4:43 1Ch 6:78 Ramoth: Jos 21:38 1Ki 22:3,4,6 1Ch 6:80 Golan: Jos 21:27 Joshua 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 73:28+ (THE ULTIMATE ETERNAL "CITY OF REFUGE" IS GOD!) But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (THE EASTERN CITIES OF REFUGE) Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east, 42 that a manslayer might flee there, who unintentionally slew his neighbor without having enmity toward him in time past; and by fleeing to one of these cities he might live: 43 Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau for the Reubenites, and Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites. THREE CITIES OF REFUGE EAST OF JORDAN Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho - This phrase means on the western side of the Jordan river, Jericho lying on the eastern side. They designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plain from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan (map of modern "Golan heights") in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh - See these eastern cities of refuge in the map above. Bezer (01221) means inaccessible or fortress. Notice the play on words, for this "inaccessible" city is given by God as an accessible city to find refuge and protection! This reminds me of David's words in Psalm 18:2+ "The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, My God, my Rock, in Whom I take refuge; My Shield and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold" Meditate on these 9 attributes of God that were precious to the soul of David and may the Spirit make them precious and "protective" to your (my) soul in Christ. Amen Spurgeon's comment on Psalm 18:2: The Lord is my rock and my fortress. Dwelling among the crags and mountain fastnesses of Judea David had escaped the malice of Saul, and here he compares his God to such a place of concealment and security. Believers are often hidden in their God from the strife of tongues and the fury of the storm of trouble. The clefts of the Rock of Ages are safe abodes. My deliverer, interposing in my hour of peril. When almost captured the Lord's people are rescued from the hand of the mighty by him who is mightier still. This title of "deliverer" has many sermons in it, and is well worthy of the study of all experienced saints. My God; this is all good things in one. There is a boundless wealth in this expression; it means, my perpetual, unchanging, infinite, eternal good. He who can say truly "my God, "may well add, "my heaven, my all." My strength; this word is really my rock, in the sense of strength and immobility. My sure, unchanging, eternal confidence and support. Thus the word rock occurs twice, but it is no tautology, for the first time it is a rock for concealment, but here a rock for firmness and immutability. In whom I will trust. Faith must be exercised, or the preciousness of God is not truly known; and God must be the object of faith, or faith is mere presumption. My buckler, warding off the blows of my enemy, shielding me from arrow or sword. The Lord furnishes his warriors with weapons both offensive and defensive. Our armoury is completely stored so that none need go to battle unarmed. The horn of my salvation, enabling me to push down my foes, and to triumph over them with holy exultation. My high tower, a citadel high planted on a rocky eminence beyond the reach of my enemies, from the heights of which I look down upon their fury without alarm, and survey a wide landscape of mercy reaching even unto the goodly land beyond Jordan. Here are many words, but none too many; we might profitably examine each one of them had we leisure, but summing up the whole, we may conclude with Calvin, that David here equips the faithful from head to foot. Ramoth (07216) means height and reminds me of Pr 18:10+ which says "The Name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe." The Hebrew word for safe is sagab (07682) which means to be high, be inaccessibly high, to be (too) high (for capture), to be set on high, be (safely, securely) set on high, to be set in a high place; hence to be safely protected. Indeed, the ultimate city of refuge is the Name of Yahweh! Have you run to His Name Yeshua for refuge from the coming wrath of God? The meaning of Golan is more enigmatic and has been given quite a variety of meanings - happiness, exile, circle, Hitchcock's names = passage, revolution. Brown-Driver-Briggs = “their captivity: their rejoicing” Bezer - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “inaccessible.” 1. A city of refuge in tribal territory of Reuben (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8 ), set aside as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:36 ). Ramoth-Gilead - Holman Bible Dictionary meaning, “heights of Gilead.” One of the cities of refuge Moses appointed for unintentional killers (Deuteronomy 4:43; compare Joshua 20:8 ) and Levitical cities (Joshua 21:38 ). It probably was located in northeastern Gilead, east of the Jordan. Solomon made Ramoth-gilead a district capital (1 Kings 4:13 ). After the division of the kingdom about 922 B.C., the city fell to Syria (1 Kings 22:3 ) and remained there for almost seventy years. Ahab attempted to retake the city but was mortally wounded in the battle (1 Kings 22:29-40 ). Joram did recapture the city (2 Kings 9:14; compare 2 Kings 8:28 ). In Ramoth-gilead Elisha anointed Jehu as king over Israel (2 Kings 9:1-6 ). In 722 B.C. the region was taken by Assyria. Golan - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “circle” or “enclosure.” It was a city of refuge for people who unintentionally killed someone and was located in Bashan for the part of the tribe of Manasseh living east of the Jordan River (Deuteronomy 4:43 ). It was also a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:27 ). It was located at modern Sahem el-Jolan on the eastern bank of the River el-Allan. See Cities of Refuge; Levitical Cities GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 20 They assigned. Or, ‘had assigned,’ for the assignment had been previously made by Moses, Deut. 4:41–43; or the meaning may be, that they formally acknowledged, confirmed, and ratified the selection that Moses had before made of these cities. Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Bezer: Christ Is a Hiding Place And then, look at the next one. The name of the next city is Bezer. Do you know what the name Bezer means? It means “stronghold”; it means “fortification,” and that speaks of Christ our safety. You remember—“the righteous run in, and they’re safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Jesus is a hiding place. Say it: “hiding place.” Jesus is a hiding place. He is a holy place. He is a helpful place. He is a harmonious place. He is a hiding place ’till the storm passes over. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. —AUGUSTUS M. TOPLADY Again, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). And, I want to tell you, friend, there is the hound of Hell, the justice that is baying at our heels, and we need to find a place to hide. And, I’m hiding in the Lord Jesus, and I trust that you are. And so, that speaks not only of Christ our satisfaction; that speaks of Christ our security. As long as an individual was in Bezer, he was absolutely secure from the judgment that was on his heels. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Ramoth: Christ Is the Highest Place And, the name of the next city was Ramoth—Ramoth. And, the name Ramoth means “exalted,” and that speaks of Christ our sovereign. “High and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1) is our Lord, and Jesus is the highest place. Say, “Highest place”—“highest place.” You see, the Bible teaches that when we get saved, when we come to Jesus, we’re seated with Him in heavenly places. And again, Peter, preaching on the day of Pentecost, said in Acts chapter 2, verse 33: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted” (Acts 2:33). Our Lord is exalted. Philippians 2, verse 9: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). Jesus is the holy place. Jesus is a helpful place. Jesus is a harmonious place. Jesus is a hiding place. Jesus is the highest place. You’ll never find anything better than Jesus; you’ll never need anything more than the Lord Jesus. He is the highest of the high. Hallelujah! What a Savior! (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Golan: Christ Is a Happy Place And then, the next place is Golan, and the word Golan means “separated”—“separated.” And, when we come to the Lord Jesus, not only do we leave the things of this world, but we come into Him and are separated from the world and separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians chapter 6, verse 17 says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). But, the word here for separation is an interesting word; it means “separation that brings joy.” So, Jesus is a happy place. Say, “Happy place.” Hey, don’t feel sorry for me because I’m a Christian, I have experienced this past week the joy of the Lord that is absolutely … it’s inexplicable. You say, “Well, I’ve been saved, Pastor, but I don’t have that joy. Why don’t I have that joy?” Well, maybe you’re not separated; maybe you haven’t been to Golan. You see, you show me a person who’s let go of this world with both hands and taken hold of Jesus with both hands, and I’ll show you a person who has “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). And so, the Lord Jesus Christ—He is Christ our Savior; He is Christ our strength; He is Christ our satisfaction; He is Christ our security; He is Christ our sovereign; He is Christ our sanctification. He is a holy place, a helpful place, a harmonious place, a hiding place, the highest place, and the happy place, and His name is Jesus. Jesus is our city of refuge (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 20:9 These were the appointed cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation. cities: Nu 35:15 until he stands: Jos 20:4,6 Joshua 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries REFUGE FOR RESIDENT FOREIGNERS These were the appointed cities for all the sons of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unintentionally may flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the congregation (see Josh 20:6) - Appointed is the verb muadah (Lxx - epikletos - called to, designated), used only here and is different than the word for set apart (qadash) in Joshua 20:7. Stranger (ger) is an alien or sojourner that associates themselves with Israel. God had previously expressed His concern for Gentiles... ‘When a stranger (ger) resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 ‘The stranger (ger) who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God. 35 ‘You shall do no wrong in judgment (E.G., CITIES OF REFUGE), in measurement of weight, or capacity. (Lev. 19:33-35) Utley on for the stranger who sojourns among them” This shows that God was concerned with more than just the people of Israel (cf. Lev. 19:33–35; Deut. 10:18–19, see Special Topic at Josh. 1:7). Also notice that the same unintentionality is the criteria. (Commentary) Bush on stands before the congregation - The judges and elders of the people, in trying civil and criminal causes, always sat; the persons who came for judgment, or who were tried, always stood. Hence the expressions so frequent in the Scripture, ‘Standing before the Lord, before the judges, before the elders,’ &c. (Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua) How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? Have you fled to Jesus for refuge?