Joshua 19:38

Key Reflection

Joshua 19:38 provides a list of towns within an inheritance allocated to one of the tribes of Israel—likely Manasseh—and marks these as cities of refuge. The names Kedesh, Edrei, and En Hazor highlight the geographical distribution typical in the allocation process following the conquest of Canaan. These cities served both judicial and religious functions, ensuring justice for those who accidentally took a life by providing a place where they could seek protection until a proper trial could be conducted. This allocation underscores the importance of maintaining social order and upholding the law as Israel settled into its promised land.