So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
7. And they appointed Kedesh, etc The Hebrew word Kedesh here used, signifies also to fit and consecrate. Accordingly, I interpret, that cities were selected according as common use required. Latin, “Prout communis usus ferebat.” French, “Selon que le profit et l’utilite commune le requeroit;” “According as the common profit and utility required.” — Ed.
We have here the nomination of the cities of refuge in the land of Canaan, which was made by the advice and authority of Joshua and the princes (Jos 19:7); and upon occasion of the mention of this is repeated the nomination of the other three in the lot of the other two tribes and a half, which was made by Moses (Deu 4:43), but...
Commenting on Joshua 20:7-9
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in Mount Naphtali,.... Of which see Jos 19:37; the appointment of this and the two cities following was made by the children of Israel at this time: and Shechem in Mount Ephraim; called Sichem, Gen 12:6; and Shechem from a prince of that name that possessed it, Gen 34:2; it fell to the lot of the tribe of Ephraim...