Chosen (Revised Standard Version “designated”) translates a word found only here in the Hebrew Old Testament. This verse makes it clear that the rule applies to resident aliens as well as to Israelites; they also have the right to flee to a city of refuge.

These were the cities of refuge chosen may seem unnecessarily repetitious. Moreover, could not be killed unless he had first received a public trial is ambiguous in that it suggests that only a trial was necessary, not the proof of guilt. This ambiguity may be cleared up and the verse somewhat shortened:

• Any Israelite and any foreigner living among them who had accidentally killed someone could run to one of these cities for protection. He could stay there until he had been tried publicly. And then he could not be killed by the man who wanted to kill him, unless he had been proven guilty.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .