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The Appointment of Cities of Refuge
Joshua 20 establishes the cities of refuge, implementing the earlier Mosaic legislation for accidental homicide, due process, and protection from immediate blood vengeance.
Joshua’s cities of refuge directly implement the manslayer legislation given through Moses in Numbers. Joshua therefore implements the earlier legal institution rather than merely creating safe towns on its own initiative.
Joshua’s appointment of refuge cities fulfills Deuteronomy’s command to set them apart after YHWH gives Israel the land, protecting accidental killers while preserving justice. Refuge protects due process without erasing justice.
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