Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Joshua 20:7-9

Jos 20:7-9. The Israelites Appoint by Name the Cities of Refuge.

7-9. they appointed ... cities--There were six; three on the west, and three on the east, of Jordan. In the first instance, they were a provision of the criminal law of the Hebrews, necessary in the circumstances of that people (see on Nu 35:11; De 19:2). At the same time they were designed also typically to point out the sinner's way to Christ (He 6:18).