Definition: These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 20:9. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for the Israelites after their time in Egypt. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting aside specific cities (places) for the Israelites – both those who are Israelites and those who are strangers or travelers – to offer a safe haven where they can flee if they’re caught by the vengeful God. It’s about protecting them from harm. Let's look at it piece by piece: “These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel…” This means these cities were specifically chosen and designated to be safe places for the Israelites. They weren’t just any cities; they were chosen because God wanted them to have a place where they could live peacefully. “…and for the stranger that sojourneth among them…” This refers to travelers, pilgrims, and those who are visiting from other countries. It's about providing a place of refuge for newcomers. “that whosoever killeth [any] person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood…” This is the core of the verse. “At unawares” means someone doesn’t know they’ve been caught. If someone is killed without them realizing it, God will intervene to protect them. The "avenger of blood" refers to God himself – a powerful and righteous force protecting those who are in danger. The key point here is that God will intervene if someone gets hurt. “…until he stood before the congregation.” This means that when someone is killed, God will bring them before a group of people (the Israelites, in this case) for judgment and to be held accountable. It’s a moment of accountability – God is showing the consequences of taking a life. In short: God is setting aside specific places for the Israelites to have safety and protection. If someone accidentally kills another person within those cities, God will intervene to ensure their safety and prevent them from dying. It's a way of demonstrating God’s justice and protecting His people. Why is this important? This verse shows that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, even after they’ve been enslaved. He doesn’t just passively allow things to happen; he has a plan to protect those who are under his care. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss the significance of "the avenger of blood" further?