Cities Of Refuge
LocationsGeographical Setting
Six Levitical cities designated in the Hebrew Bible as sanctuaries for individuals accused of unintentional homicide.
What is the meaning of Cities Of Refuge in the Bible?
The cities of refuge were six Levitical settlements distributed across the territory of Israel, including three east of the Jordan River and three west, established to provide asylum for individuals who had committed manslaughter without malice or premeditation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geographic distribution and legal function of these cities clarifies the biblical distinction between accidental homicide and murder, revealing how ancient Israelite law balanced communal justice with protection for the innocent.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.