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Joshua 20 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
It’s one thing to say that we believe in God as our refuge and strength, but it’s an entirely different experience to go through circumstances where this is all we can cling to. If that belief is never challenged, then it’s fair to ask, “Do we really believe it?”
Do you really believe that the Lord will fight for you? Will you trust Him when everything falls apart?
There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us.
Hebrews 6:18 GNB
The LORD is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe.
Proverbs 18:10 GNB
Again, do we stand on the sidelines cheering on this idea or do we actually put it into practice? I know I have been guilty of this. It’s easy to tell people to “just trust in God” when you aren’t the one being thrust into turmoil.
You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there.
Joshua 20:4 GNB
Also, consider the parallels here with Jesus. A person who inadvertently killed another could flee to one of these cities for protection until their trial. If found innocent, this person would then be protected until the death of the current high priest. After that, they would be free to return to their home.
We can flee to Jesus and find forgiveness but only after trusting the in the death of Jesus to pay for those sins. It’s interesting that a person found innocent could only return home after the death of the high priest, and we will only return home (to Heaven) through the death of Jesus Christ.
The main point is clear. Our God is faithful, loving, and full of mercy. He will protect those who come to Him in humility and confess their sin. This chapter is simply a reminder of how mighty our God is to save.