JOSHUA 20-21

The overall structure of the book shows that chapters 20-21are parallel to Joshua 6-8. In both cases, special cities are set aside by God as holy. However, there is a basic difference between the purposes behind these two situations. In the first section, cities are wholly dedicated to God and nothing out of them can be used for man's purpose. In the matching section, the set-aside cities are solely for man's benefit. However, in both cases guilt is only removed by a death. It is Achan's death in the first case and the death of the high priest in the case of the cities of refuge. This principle, of course, foreshadows the death of Christ on the cross to remove our guilt.

20:1-6: Six cities are set apart in these verses to help keep the peace by preventing blood feuds between families and tribes. Note that sanctuary was only granted in the case of what we would call involuntary manslaughter. And the elders of that city would examine each case to determine whether it was valid.

21:1-3: In this passage, 24 additional cities are chosen as dwelling places for the Tribe of Levi.

What were the functions of the Levites? They included duties associated with the tabernacle and temple, carrying the ark, assisting Moses at key ceremonies, caring for the holy vessels, preparing the offerings, instructing the people in the law (Nehemiah 8:7-9), and functioning as singers, musicians and gatekeepers. In general, it has been said that they were the leaven of the people, especially through their teaching ministries.

Jacques Ellul's excellent book The Meaning of the City makes the contention that the cities of refuge constitute a major turning point in human history in regard to God's basic attitude toward the concept of the city. To demonstrate why that is so, we need to review the biblical history of cities for insights into the matter. The main question to answer is: What does each one of these cities symbolize? (NOTE: This can be handled as lecture or by breaking up into discussion groups.)

Cain: Escape from God (Genesis 4:11-17) The first murderer becomes the first city builder. Interestingly, Nod means land of wandering and searching. This is our only hope of finding God. But in defiance of God's instructions, Cain settles down. Enoch means dedication or initiation. Cain attempts to found his own Eden, which he names after his son as a means of glorifying himself.

Nimrod: Might (Genesis 9-10) In chapter 9, Ham sees Noah's nakedness so his descendents are cursed, including his grandson Nimrod (10:8-12). Nimrod is called a hunter, a word which can also mean conqueror or plunderer. “Before God” = in God's sight to watch and judge him. The names of the cities have symbolic meanings, i.e., Resen = bridle or bit.

Babel: Fame (Genesis 11:4-8) The name can mean either “gate of the gods” or “confusion.” “Name” reminds us that God named man, man named the animals, and now mankind wants to make a name for themselves and exclude God from the equation. God is not afraid for himself, but for what will happen to natural man if left unchecked in his desires.

Egypt: Slavery (Exodus 1:8-11) This is the first time that the Jews build a city, but it is against their will. The city is dedicated to the sun god and is used as a granary (representative of economic power).

Jericho: Opposition (Joshua 6:26; I Kings 16:34) Jericho stood in the way of the people accomplishing God's will in their lives. God cursed the city for all time, but some 400 years later, Hiel of Bethel risked the curse and paid the penalty.

Solomon: Idolatry (I Kings 9:15; 11:26-33; Jeremiah 11:12-13) The next great city builder was Solomon, who utilized slave labor to do it. The rebellion that destroyed Solomon's kingdom was said to be related to his building projects and the idolatry that occurred in his cities.

Babylon: The Ultimate City (Revelation 17-18) This city began with a curse and ended in judgment and complete destruction. Therefore it is a prime symbol in the Book of Revelation standing for the multiplying of sin and both economic and political power (Chapter 18). References in Chapter 17 to tongues and people of one mind (17:15,17) hearken back to the days of the Tower of Babylon.

The above examples present us with a choice. If the city as a concept is ultimately judged and condemned, what should our relationship to it be? Subsequent models present themselves for our consideration:

Sodom: Sin (Genesis 18-19) The presence of the righteous in a city can delay its judgment. Sadly, in this case there were not even ten righteous people in the whole city to save it from destruction.

Nineveh: Military Power (Book of Jonah) Salvation came from outside the city in this case and required repentance of the entire people, conversion of the head of government, and the presence of someone to spread the word of God. Even in this case, judgment was only postponed and eventually came to the city since their repentance did not last long.

The Church (Proverbs 11:11; Jeremiah 29:4-7) Leaving history behind for a minute and concentrating on actual biblical teaching, we are called to be intercessors, salt and light, and preachers to the cities of the world.

Is there any ultimate hope for the institution of the city?

The Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:1-6; Deuteronomy 19:7) Here is where Ellul feels a critical turning point in history occurs. These cities not only represent a milestone in the history of law and justice, but they show God's eventual redemption of this epitome of mankind's creation.

Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:10; Revelation 11:8; Revelation 21-22) Jerusalem began like other cities but God in His grace has chosen it for redemption. It is interesting that the Koran teaches an ultimate return to the paradise of a garden. However, in the Bible our ultimate fate is not just a return to Eden (in effect wiping out all intervening human history and starting over again), but the tree of life is now located in the middle of a street. Heaven is a city; somehow God will redeem man's creation and transform it. This is an image that most of us can relate to. In 1900, only 14% of the world's population lived in cities. Now over 50% live in cities, and the percentage is growing every day. The Koran, not being inspired, could not anticipate that trend whereas God could.