Deuteronomy 19:2
you shall set apart three cities for yourselves in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The instruction to set apart cities "in the midst of thy land" isn't just about geography; it emphasizes that safety and justice are meant to be accessible from every part of the territory God is giving them. This highlights God's care for all His people, ensuring that no one is too far from the opportunity to find refuge and protection.
God is instructing Israel on how to organize their new land after driving out the Canaanites, focusing on the justice system. This passage immediately follows laws about dealing with false witnesses, highlighting the importance of accurate testimony. The command to set aside three cities of refuge is the first step in establishing a system to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death.
The land is the LORD's gift, but how we live in it matters profoundly. What does this gift demand of us?
Deuteronomy emphasizes that the land Israel is about to possess is a gift from God. This isn't just a statement of ownership; it's the foundation for their laws. Because God is giving them this land, they are accountable to live according to His commands.
A Land to Possess, A Law to Keep
The phrase "which the LORD your God is giving you to possess" appears repeatedly in this passage. It underscores that their future security and prosperity are directly tied to their obedience. Setting apart these cities isn't just a practical measure; it's an act of faithfulness, acknowledging God as the source of their inheritance and His laws as the guide for their lives within it.
In a world often marked by harshness, God institutes a system that balances justice with compassion. How does this work?
The institution of cities of refuge, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:2, is a remarkable blend of justice and mercy. On one hand, the law demands justice for bloodshed.
Protecting the Innocent, Pursuing the Guilty
However, the cities of refuge were specifically for the unintentional killer – someone who caused a death accidentally, without malice. This wasn't a get-out-of-jail-free card for murderers. The text makes it clear that intentional killers were still subject to the 'avenger of blood' (Deuteronomy 19:12). The cities offered a sanctuary for those whose hands were clean of wicked intent, preventing a cycle of vengeance and ensuring that true justice, which considers motive, could be carried out. This system protected the 'innocent blood' from being shed unjustly within Israel.
Why 'in the midst of the land'? This wasn't just a random location, but a deliberate choice for practical safety.
The instruction to set apart cities 'in the midst of thy land' was far more than a geographical suggestion. It was a strategic command aimed at ensuring swift and accessible refuge for those fleeing for their lives.
Understand the original words
nachal · Hebrew Verb
A term used to describe God’s covenantal gift of the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It implies both a legal entitlement and a spiritual responsibility to live in obedience to God within that space.
badal · Hebrew Verb
A term meaning to sanctify, consecrate, or treat as holy. In this context, it refers to the official designation of these cities as special places under divine protection for a specific legal purpose.
This passage introduces the concept of cities of refuge, directly preceding the command to set apart three more, providing the foundational context for the instruction in Deuteronomy.
Joshua 20:2This chapter describes the execution of the command given in Deuteronomy, showing how these cities of refuge were actually designated and used for unintentional manslayers.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage offers a theological parallel, highlighting how believers can find strong encouragement and refuge in God's promises, echoing the safety provided by the cities of refuge.
Matthew 11:28Jesus' invitation to the weary to come to Him for rest speaks to the ultimate refuge, offering a spiritual parallel to the physical safety these ancient cities provided.
gillDeuteronomy 19:2: "Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it."
Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land,.... From the cities they took possession of and dwelt in; and indeed from the cities of the Levites, which were given to them to inhabit; three were before ordered to be separated from those inhabited by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Deuteronomy 4:41 but these…
calvinDeuteronomy 19:1-13: "When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;"
As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbor, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
Quicunque abierit cum proximo suo in si…
The instruction to set apart cities "in the midst of thy land" isn't just about geography; it emphasizes that safety and justice are meant to be accessible from every part of the territory God is giving them. This highlights God's care for all His people, ensuring that no one is too far from the opportunity to find refuge and protection.
God is instructing Israel on how to organize their new land after driving out the Canaanites, focusing on the justice system. This passage immediately follows laws about dealing with false witnesses, highlighting the importance of accurate testimony. The command to set aside three cities of refuge is the first step in establishing a system to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death.
God is instructing Israel on how to organize their new land after driving out the Canaanites, focusing on the justice system. This passage immediately follows laws about dealing with false witnesses, highlighting the importance of accurate testimony. The command to set aside three cities of refuge is the first step in establishing a system to protect those who accidentally caused someone's death.
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Accessible Havens
Commentators note that these cities were to be placed so they were equidistant from the land's extremities and from each other. The goal was clear: no matter where an accidental killing occurred within the territory, the accused could reach a city of refuge quickly. This accessibility was crucial, especially given the potentially lengthy and dangerous pursuit by a blood avenger. This thoughtful placement highlights God's concern for the practical well-being and protection of His people, even in the aftermath of tragedy.
"you shall set apart three cities for yourselves in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess." — The instruction to set apart cities "in the midst of thy land" isn't just about geography; it emphasizes that safety and justice are meant to be accessible from every part of the territory God is g…
