Inner Cities of Refuge
Joshua 21:13-16 - A Neville Goddard interpretation
Read Joshua 21 in context
Scripture Focus
Biblical Context
Joshua 21:13-16 records the allocation of nine cities with suburbs—Hebron, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, Beth-shemesh—to the children of Aaron as cities of refuge for the slayer. They are designated to provide safety and mercy within the land.
Neville's Inner Vision
The list in Joshua 21:13-16 is not mere geography but a map of inner states. The 'cities of refuge' become sanctuaries within consciousness where the accusing voice and fear are held at bay. The 'slayer' stands for restless thoughts—guilt, anger, or the impulse to judgment—that threaten peace. By assigning these cities to Aaron—the priestly function within you—you acknowledge a guardian order established in your awareness. Each suburb embodies a facet of your inner life—mercy, justice, law, compassion—where you pause, observe, and allow truth to reveal itself. When you assume that this sanctuary already exists, you shift from pursuit to presence; the mind rests in the calm authority of the I AM, and the sense of danger dissolves. This is not external rule but inner alignment with divine order, a realized refuge now. Name these inner cities in your imagination and let the spirit of refuge permeate your entire being, restoring balance and clarity.
Practice This Now
Close your eyes and imagine entering one of the nine cities—Hebron's steady calm or Beth-shemesh's settled light—and feel the walls around you. Then whisper, 'I am the I AM; this inner refuge is mine now,' until it feels real.
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