transposed, an occurrence that frequently happens when copying a manuscript, and of

which there are several examples in the Scriptures.

The twentieth chapter of Joshua is taken up with the appointing of the cities of refuge.

The same God Who had commanded the extermination of the Canaanites, provides for

the safety of the man-slayer--i.e., one not guilty of willful murder. The "avenger of

blood" was not permitted to touch the man-slayer when once he had found refuge in one

of these cities. He remained there until the death of the High Priest* (*This is referred to

in Heb. 9: 27, 28. For a fuller explanation, see Volume XVI, pages 54, 55).

These cities of refuge were so situated as to be accessible to all the tribes. The three

cities on the West of Jordan--Kedesh, Shechem and Hebron--had been closely

associated with the history of the people. Kedesh was near the scene of Joshua's great

victory over the confederate kings, and so, in type, is associated with the final glorious

victory of Christ (Josh. 11:). Shechem was the place where Abraham built his first altar in

the land of Canaan (Gen. 12: 7). And Hebron was associated with Abraham, Isaac and

Jacob as well as with the overcomer Caleb.

After the appointing of the cities of refuge, the Levites came to Eleazar the Priest and

to Joshua, and reminded them of the command of the Lord that they should have cities to

dwell in and suburbs for their cattle (Josh. 21: 1, 2). These were settled by lot, a total of

forty-eight cities, and with this allotment, the Scripture sums up:

The time had now come for the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of

Manasseh to be permitted to cross the Jordan and enter into the inheritance which they

had chosen in the land of Gilead (Josh. 22: 9). Joshua recognizes that they have

fulfilled their agreement to stand by the rest of the tribes until all have received their

inheritance; and, with an exhortation to be diligent in giving heed to the commandment

and the law, to love the Lord and to walk in all His ways, Joshua blesses the people and

sends them on their way (Josh. 22: 5, 6).

And now a strange thing happens:

Immediately this news reaches Shiloh, all Israel gather themselves together for war

against the two and a half tribes. And Phinehas demands an explanation of their action,

reminding them of the judgment that fell at Peor, and suggesting that if the land of their

choice be deemed unclean because of its separation from the Tabernacle, Israel would

willingly find room for them in the land--