Deuteronomy 4:41
Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 4:41
Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse is more than just a historical note; it's Moses actively setting apart these places, mirroring God's own act of setting apart the Levites. It shows Moses, even at this late stage and with incomplete circumstances, diligently fulfilling God's command, demonstrating a powerful example of obedience when we can't do everything at once.
After concluding his powerful exhortations to obey God's commands, Moses takes action to fulfill a specific divine instruction. He sets aside three cities east of the Jordan River, fulfilling a law for cities of refuge where individuals who accidentally caused a death could flee for safety. This historical interjection highlights Moses' obedience and serves as a practical example of how to implement God's statutes.
Moses had a job to do, but the timing wasn't perfect. How does this teach us about following God's commands?
God commanded Moses to set aside six cities of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone. At this point in the narrative, only three of these cities could be established, located east of the Jordan River in the land already conquered. Even though the full command couldn't be carried out yet (the other three cities would be in the land west of the Jordan), Moses didn't wait. He faithfully executed the part he could do right then. This shows us that obedience isn't always about having the perfect circumstances; it's about taking the steps you can, when you can, as God directs.
Why set up these special cities in a 'foreign' land before even entering the Promised Land?
These three cities – Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan – were established in the territory east of the Jordan River. This land had already been conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership, and it was designated for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Setting up these cities of refuge here first was a powerful act. It demonstrated that God’s provision for justice and mercy extended even to this newly acquired land. It also preemptively secured a place of safety for the accidental killer, reflecting God's deep concern for the protection of life, even before the entire land promise was fulfilled.
Understand the original words
badal · Hebrew Verb
In a legal or religious context, this denotes to designate, consecrate, or select something or someone for a specific, often holy or set-apart purpose. It implies a formal separation from common use to serve a divine or legal ordinance.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where Moses, having secured victory in battle, immediately follows God's specific commands, establishing places of safety for the unintentional killer even before the full conquest of the land is complete.
c. 1400 BC
Command for Cities of Refuge Given
God instructs Moses to designate six cities across the land of Canaan as places of refuge for those who committed unintentional manslaughter.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites, led by Moses, conquer the Amorite kingdoms east of the Jordan River, led by King Sihon and King Og. This victory secures the territory that will be given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moses Sets Apart Three Eastern Cities
Following the conquest of the land east of the Jordan, Moses, in obedience to God's earlier command, designates three of these newly acquired cities as places of refuge.
c. 1400 BC
Distribution of Eastern Lands
The territory conquered east of the Jordan is granted as inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
This passage directly states the divine command to appoint cities of refuge, providing the essential context for Moses' action described in Deuteronomy.
Joshua 20:7This verse names the same three cities that Joshua later consecrated as cities of refuge, demonstrating the fulfillment of the command initiated by Moses.
Hebrews 6:18This New Testament passage speaks of 'refuge' and 'hope' found in God, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical cities of refuge established for protection.
Exodus 21:13This earlier law already established the principle of refuge for those who unintentionally killed someone, laying the groundwork for the specific appointment of cities later.
calvinDeuteronomy 4:41-43: "Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;"
Ut fugeret illuc homicida qui occidisset proximum suum nesciens, (vel, per errorem, vel, per incogitantiam,) quem non odisset ab heri et nudiustertius: ut fugeret ad unam ex urbibus istis, et viveret.
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
Bezer in deserto, in terra planitiei…
clarkeDeuteronomy 4:41: "Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;"
Then Moses severed three cities - See the law relative to the cities of refuge explained, Numbers 35:11 (note), etc.
This verse is more than just a historical note; it's Moses actively setting apart these places, mirroring God's own act of setting apart the Levites. It shows Moses, even at this late stage and with incomplete circumstances, diligently fulfilling God's command, demonstrating a powerful example of obedience when we can't do everything at once.
After concluding his powerful exhortations to obey God's commands, Moses takes action to fulfill a specific divine instruction. He sets aside three cities east of the Jordan River, fulfilling a law for cities of refuge where individuals who accidentally caused a death could flee for safety. This historical interjection highlights Moses' obedience and serves as a practical example of how to implement God's statutes.
After concluding his powerful exhortations to obey God's commands, Moses takes action to fulfill a specific divine instruction. He sets aside three cities east of the Jordan River, fulfilling a law for cities of refuge where individuals who accidentally caused a death could flee for safety. This historical interjection highlights Moses' obedience and serves as a practical example of how to implement God's statutes.
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c. 1400 BC
Joshua Appoints Western Cities of Refuge
After Israel crosses the Jordan River and begins the conquest of Canaan, Joshua, following God's law, designates three more cities of refuge in the western part of the land.
"Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan," — This verse is more than just a historical note; it's Moses actively setting apart these places, mirroring God's own act of setting apart the Levites. It shows Moses, even at this late stage and wit…