Joshua 20:3

Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012

If a person accidentally kills someone and the victim's relatives say it was murder, they might try to take revenge. Anyone accused of murder can run to one of the Safe Towns and be safe from the victim's relatives. The one needing protection will stand at the entrance to the town gate and explain to the town leaders what happened. Then the leaders will bring that person in and provide a place to live in their town.

Cross References

2 Samuel 14:11

“Please,” she replied, “swear by the LORD your God that no one will be allowed to kill my son!” He said, “I swear by the living LORD that no one will touch even a hair on his head!”

Leviticus 4:2

to say to the community of Israel: Offer a sacrifice to ask forgiveness when you sin by accidentally doing something I have told you not to do.

Numbers 35:12

If the victim's relatives think it was murder, they might try to take revenge. Anyone accused of murder can run to one of these Safe Towns for protection and not be killed before a trial is held.

Numbers 35:19

by one of the victim's relatives. He will take revenge for his relative's death as soon as he finds you.

Numbers 35:22

But if you are not angry and accidentally kill someone in any of these ways, the townspeople must hold a trial and decide if you are guilty.

Hebrews 6:18

God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.

Joshua 20:2

When Moses was still alive, I told him to tell the Israelites about the Safe Towns. Now you tell them that it is time to set up these towns.