Joshua 20

Daily Devotional from Joshua 20–


Verse 9
These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and the immigrants residing among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die at the hand of the avenger of blood until he stands before the assembly.

I am so glad that we serve a God who looks at the heart. Sometimes accidents happen, and we have to deal with the consequences. But God sees that sometimes retributive justice (an eye for an eye) isn’t always true justice. God allows blood avengers to grieve, but also makes space for the accused to stand trial with due process.

God sees through to our hearts. He knows what was intended and what wasn’t, and he offers a place of sanctuary in him. Sometimes, though, the impact of our good intentions is harmful, and we need to acknowledge it and humbly seek forgiveness.


Psalm 2:12 — Blessed are all who take refuge in [Jesus].


Robin Miller