Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.20 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:20
* The law concerning the cities of refuge. (1-6) The cities
appointed as refuges. (7-9)
#1-6 When the Israelites were settled in their promised
inheritance, they were reminded to set apart the cities of
refuge, whose use and typical meaning have been explained, #Nu
35; De 19|. God's spiritual Israel have, and shall have in
Christ and heaven, not only rest to repose in, but refuge to
secure themselves in. These cities were designed to typify the
relief which the gospel provides for penitent sinners, and their
protection from the curse of the law and the wrath of God, in
our Lord Jesus, to whom believers flee for refuge, #Heb 6:18|.
#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.