Joshua 20:4

shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city not i.e. outside the gate of the city, but in the forum, or public place of judgment. Comp. Ruth 4:1-2.

in the ears of the elders of that city Before the fugitive could avail himself of the shelter conceded by the laws, he was to undergo a solemn trial, and make it appear to the satisfaction of the magistrates of the place ("the aldren of the citie," Wyclif), where the homicide was committed, that it was purely accidental.

and give him a place If he succeeded in so doing, the elders were to "give him a place," i.e. receive him into the protection of the city, and permit him to reside there.