New International Version In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Gezer, New Living Translation Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone), Gezer, English Standard Version To them were given Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, Berean Standard Bible they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, Berean Literal Bible and they gave to them a city of refuge for the manslayer, Shechem and its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its pasturelands, King James Bible For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs, New King James Version For they gave them Shechem with its common-land in the mountains of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the slayer), Gezer with its common-land, New American Standard Bible They gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, NASB 1995 They gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, NASB 1977 And they gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, Legacy Standard Bible And they gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, Amplified Bible They gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, Berean Annotated Bible they were given Shechem (shoulder) in the hill country of Ephraim (doubly fruitful) (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer (portion), Christian Standard Bible The Israelites gave them: Shechem, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, Holman Christian Standard Bible The Israelites gave them: Shechem, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, American Standard Version And they gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill-country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs, English Revised Version And they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with her suburbs; GOD'S WORD® Translation These four cities with pasturelands were Shechem (a city of refuge for murderers) in the mountains of Ephraim, Gezer, Good News Translation They were given four cities: Shechem and its pasture lands in the hill country of Ephraim (one of the cities of refuge), Gezer, International Standard Version Shechem was allocated to them as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, in the mountainous region of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasture lands, NET Bible They assigned them Shechem (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter) in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer, New Heart English Bible They gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs, Webster's Bible Translation For they gave them Shechem with its suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with its suburbs, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethey were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, World English Bible They gave them Shechem with its pasture lands in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Gezer with its pasture lands, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they give to them the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Shechem and its outskirts, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its outskirts, Berean Literal Bible and they gave to them a city of refuge for the manslayer, Shechem and its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its pasturelands, Young's Literal Translation and they give to them the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Shechem and its suburbs, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its suburbs, Smith's Literal Translation And they will give to them the city of refuge of the slayer, Shechem and her area in mount Ephraim, and Gezer and her area, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf the tribe of Ephraim, Sichem one of the cities of refuge, with the suburbs thereof in mount Ephraim, and Cater, Catholic Public Domain Version from the tribe of Ephraim, Shechem, one of the cities of refuge, with its suburbs, on mount Ephraim, and Gezer, New American Bible They were assigned, with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for homicides at Shechem in the mountain region of Ephraim; also Gezer with its pasture lands, New Revised Standard Version To them were given Shechem, the city of refuge for the slayer, with its pasture lands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasture lands, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor they gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the slavers, with its suburbs, on mount Ephraim, Gedar with its suburbs, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they gave them a city of a place of salvation of manslayers: Shekeem that is on the Hill of Aphreim and its fields and Gadar and its fields OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they gave them Shechem with the open land about it in the hill-country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with the open land about it; Brenton Septuagint Translation out of the tribe of Ephraim; and they gave them the slayer's city of refuge, Sychem, and its suburbs, and Gazara and its appendages, and its suburbs; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites…20The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim 21they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, 22Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.… Cross References Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim 1 Chronicles 6:67 They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, Joshua 24:1 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Genesis 33:18-20 After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. / And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. / There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Joshua 20:7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. Numbers 35:11-12 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. Deuteronomy 19:2-3 then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. Gezer, Joshua 16:10 But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. Judges 1:29 Ephraim also failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; so the Canaanites continued to dwell among them in Gezer. 1 Kings 9:16 Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. Numbers 35:6 Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. 1 Chronicles 6:66-70 And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: / They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, / Jokmeam, Beth-horon, … Deuteronomy 19:1-3 When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. 1 Chronicles 6:54-60 Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. … Joshua 14:1-5 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. / For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. … Treasury of Scripture For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs, Shechem Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. Genesis 33:19 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. Judges 9:1 And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, Gezer Joshua 16:10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute. 1 Kings 9:15-17 And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer… 1 Chronicles 6:67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs, Jump to Previous Accused City Country Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Lands Manslayer Man-Slayer Mount Murder Open Pasture Refuge Safe Shechem Slayer Suburbs TakerJump to Next Accused City Country Ephraim E'phraim Hill Hill-Country Lands Manslayer Man-Slayer Mount Murder Open Pasture Refuge Safe Shechem Slayer Suburbs TakerJoshua 21 1. Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.43. God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim Shechem stood near the center of the land and had long been associated with Israel’s history, from Abraham’s altar there to Joshua’s renewal of the covenant with the tribes. Its location in Ephraim made it an important gathering place for the nation. 1Ch 6:67 They were given Shechem (a city of refuge)… (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Shechem provided protection for anyone who had caused an unintentional death, allowing the accused to remain safe until a proper judgment could be made. The city upheld both the value of human life and the requirement of just legal process. Jos 20:7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country… Gezer, Gezer lay in the foothills west of Ephraim along a major route connecting the coast with the inland highlands. Its strategic position made it significant in Israel’s history, and its assignment to the Levites extended their ministry into an important border region. Jos 16:10 But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer… Persons / Places / Events 1. ShechemA significant city in biblical history, Shechem was designated as a city of refuge. It is located in the hill country of Ephraim and holds historical importance as a place of covenant renewal and worship. 2. City of Refuge These were cities designated for the protection of individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter. They provided a safe haven until a fair trial could be conducted. 3. Manslayer Refers to someone who has killed another unintentionally. The city of refuge was a provision for such individuals to escape the avenger of blood. 4. Ephraim One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in the land of Israel. 5. Gezer Another city given to the Levites, located in the territory of Ephraim. It was strategically important and often mentioned in the context of Israel's battles and territorial boundaries. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy. It reflects His desire to protect the innocent and ensure fair treatment for all. The Role of Community in God's Plan The allocation of cities like Shechem and Gezer to the Levites underscores the importance of community and shared responsibility in God's design for His people. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge for sinners. Believers can find security and hope in Him. The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions regarding the cities of refuge illustrates the blessings of obedience and the order it brings to society. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 21:21?2. How does Joshua 21:21 illustrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel? 3. What role did the Levites play in Israel, as seen in Joshua 21:21? 4. How can we apply the concept of God-given inheritance in our lives today? 5. Compare the Levites' inheritance in Joshua 21:21 with our spiritual inheritance in Christ. 6. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrate God's provision and care? 7. What is the significance of Shechem and Gezer in Joshua 21:21 for the Levites? 8. How does Joshua 21:21 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 9. Why were the Levites given specific cities like Shechem and Gezer in Joshua 21:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21? Verse 21. - To be a refuge for the slayer (see above ver. 13). This order is observed in every case but one, which is explained in the note on ver. 36. Joshua 21:21 records God giving the Kohathite Levites two strategically placed cities—Shechem in Ephraim’s hills and Gezer on the western approach—along with their surrounding fields. Shechem’s status as a city of refuge highlights God’s balance of mercy and justice, while both sites ensure His law and worship permeate Israel’s heartland and frontier alike. The verse affirms the Lord’s meticulous faithfulness: every promise to the Levites, every safeguard for His people, and every inch of land He pledged is literally delivered. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew they were givenוַיִּתְּנ֨וּ (way·yit·tə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set Shechem שְׁכֶ֥ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor in the hill country בְּהַ֣ר (bə·har) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country of Ephraim אֶפְרָ֑יִם (’ep̄·rā·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory (a city עִ֨יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of refuge מִקְלַ֧ט (miq·laṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum for the manslayer), הָרֹצֵ֛חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder Gezer, גֶּ֖זֶר (ge·zer) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1507: Gezer -- 'portion', a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim Additonal Resources Joshua 21:21 Blue Letter BibleJoshua 21:21 Bible Gateway Joshua 21:21 Bible.com Joshua 21:21 NIV |
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