Each of these cities had grazing areas around it; they were alike in this regard. ¹ 

Any man who rebels against what you say and does not obey all your commands will be executed. ¹  But ²  be strong and brave!”

The leaders then added, ¹  “Let them live.” So they became ²  woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had decided. ³ 

and told them: “You have carried out all the instructions of Moses the Lord’s servant, and you have obeyed all I have told you. ¹ 

So Joshua summoned all Israel, including the elders, rulers, judges, and leaders, and told them: “I am very old.

You saw everything the Lord your God did to all these nations on your behalf, for the Lord your God fights for you. ¹ 

Then Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! ¹  Be strong and brave, for the Lord will do the same thing to all your enemies you fight.

These were the cities of refuge ¹  appointed for all the Israelites and for resident foreigners living among them. Anyone who accidentally killed someone could escape there and not be executed by ²  the avenger of blood, at least until his case was reviewed by the assembly. ³ 

He was accompanied by ten leaders, one from each of the Israelite tribes, each one a family leader among the Israelite clans. ¹