Joshua 20 Explained: Jesus Our Refuge, Mercy Over Judgment, and Salvation Revealed
Joshua 20 — A Divine System of Mercy
👉 Cities of refuge.
These were special places where someone who accidentally caused death could flee for safety.
At first glance, it looks like a legal system.
But in reality…
➡️ It’s a preview of Jesus Christ.
The Cities of Refuge — A Picture of Jesus
God commands Israel to set apart six cities where a person could run and be safe from judgment.
Why this matters:
- The person was guilty of causing harm
- Justice demanded accountability
- But God made a way for mercy
Now look at Jesus:
👉 He is our refuge
👉 He is where we run when we are guilty
👉 He is where judgment is held back by grace
This connects directly to the New Testament:
➡️ “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Accessible to All — Salvation Is Not Exclusive
The cities were placed strategically across the land so that:
👉 Anyone could reach one quickly
Not just Israelites—but even strangers living among them.
The deeper meaning:
➡️ God’s mercy was available to all
Now connect this to Jesus:
- Salvation is not limited
- Grace is not restricted
- Access is open to everyone who believes
Just like we saw access given in Joshua 17 (daughters receiving inheritance), here we see:
👉 Access to mercy through provision
Run Without Delay — Urgency of Salvation
The person fleeing had to run immediately to the city.
There was no time to hesitate.
If they delayed… they risked judgment.
Spiritual connection:
This is exactly how salvation works:
- You don’t wait
- You don’t delay
- You run to Jesus
➡️ Just like in Joshua 18, where the people delayed their inheritance, here delay could cost everything.
The Gates of the City — Open and Ready
When the fugitive arrived, they stood at the gate and pleaded their case.
And the elders would receive them.
Symbolism:
- The gate represents entry into salvation
- The elders represent witness and acceptance
Now look at Jesus:
👉 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” (John 10:9)
The cities had gates…
But Jesus is the gate.
Six Cities — Incomplete Without Christ
There were six cities of refuge.
In biblical symbolism:
👉 6 often represents man (created on the 6th day)
It’s incomplete.
Now here’s the powerful truth:
➡️ The system itself pointed to something greater
Because true and complete refuge is found only in:
👉 Jesus — the perfect and final refuge
The Death of the High Priest — Freedom Comes Through Death
One of the most powerful details:
The person had to stay in the city until the death of the high priest…
Then they were free.
This is incredible.
Why?
Because:
➡️ Freedom came through the death of another
Now look at Jesus:
- He is our High Priest
- His death sets us free
👉 This is one of the clearest Old Testament pictures of the Gospel.
Christology in Joshua 20 — Jesus Revealed
This chapter points directly to Jesus:
- Cities of refuge → Jesus is our safety
- Open access → Salvation for all people
- Running to the city → Urgency of coming to Christ
- The gate → Jesus as the way in
- Death of the high priest → Freedom through Christ’s sacrifice
Everything about these cities…
👉 Points to Him.
Symbolism to Notice
- 6 cities → Human system pointing to divine completion in Christ
- Refuge → Salvation from judgment
- Running → Urgency of repentance
- Gates → Access through Jesus
- High priest’s death → The cross
Final Reflection
Joshua 20 is not just about safety…
It’s about salvation.
You and I are no different than the one fleeing:
- Guilty
- In need of mercy
- Dependent on grace
And God made a way.
👉 Not a city…
👉 A Savior.
Jesus is your refuge.
So the question is:
👉 Have you run to Him?
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