Definition: And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, [and] until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 20:6. It’s a pretty complex verse, but I'll try to explain it in a way that makes sense. Here's the gist of what it means: Essentially, this verse describes a period of intense judgment and exile for Moses after the death of the High Priest. Let's unpack each part: “And he shall dwell in that city…” - This refers to the city where Moses was previously stationed. It’s a long-term dwelling place. “…until he stand before the congregation for judgment…” – This means Moses will be held accountable and judged by the people of Israel. Think of it as a trial. “[and] until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days:” - This is key! The High Priest, who was in charge of leading the prayers and ceremonies, dies during this time. This is a significant moment because the High Priest’s role is crucial for the people to receive divine guidance. “Then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.” – This is where it gets really interesting. The Slayer (the person who killed Moses) returns to the city he left. He’s returning to his own place – his home. He's coming back to live in a new location after his exile. Putting it all together, here’s what it suggests: Moses was exiled and ultimately killed by God. After that, God wants to have the Slayer return to his own city and house – essentially, he's giving him a chance to rebuild his life and possibly even find peace or redemption. It’s a message of forgiveness and a potential opportunity for reconciliation with God. Important Context: This passage is part of a larger story in the Old Testament about the Israelites’ history and relationship with God. It speaks to themes of judgment, exile, and the possibility of renewal. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in simpler terms? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament?