Refuge, Cities Of
LocationsGeographical Setting
Six designated urban centers in ancient Israel established to provide asylum for individuals who committed manslaughter.
What is the meaning of Refuge, Cities Of in the Bible?
Six cities were designated as places of asylum for individuals who caused death unintentionally, with specific legal procedures governing their flight and subsequent trial.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these cities clarifies the biblical distinction between murder and manslaughter, revealing a legal framework that balanced communal justice with the protection of the accused.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Refuge, Cities Of (located near modern Various sites in the West Bank and Golan Heights, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Refuge, Cities Of in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Refuge, Cities Of clarify?
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Refuge, Cities Of." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/refuge-cities-of/