7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim , and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron ) in the hill country of Judah . 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 . 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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 20:7-9
Commentary on Joshua 20:7-9
(Read Joshua 20:7-9)
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.