20:2 cities of refuge See Num 35:9–34 and note.

20:4 the gate of the city The gate of a city in biblical times consisted of a towered entrance and a large open area where people gathered. City gates functioned similarly to a civic or community center; citizens often conducted business there (see Ruth 4:11; 1 Kgs 21:13). See Deut 21:19; Ruth 4:1–2.

20:6 the death of the one who is the high priest See Num 35:25, 28, 32.

20:7 Kedesh A city in Naphtali’s territory in Galilee (see 12:22; 19:37).

Shechem A city in Ephraim on the western border of Manasseh and Ephraim, in the central region of the land (see 17:2, 7).

Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron Located in the south (see 11:21; 14:13–15; 15:13–14).

20:8 Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho Moses had designated the three refuge cities east of the Jordan (Deut 4:41–43; compare Josh 21:27, 36, 38).

Bezer Located in Reuben’s territory, east of the Dead Sea.

Golan in the Bashan Located east of the Sea of Kinnereth (Galilee), in Manasseh.

20:9 the Israelites, and for the foreigners See vv. 4; Num 35:15.

congregation Likely refers to the council of elders.