In this chapter, Moses discusses cities of refuge. He begins the chapter stating, “The Lord your God will soon destroy the nations whose land he is giving you, and you will displace them and settle in their towns and homes. Then you must set apart three cities of refuge in the land the Lord your God is giving you to occupy. Divide the land the Lord your God is giving you into three districts, with one of these cities in each district. Keep the roads to these cities in good repair so that anyone who has killed someone can flee there for safety.” (Deuteronomy 19:1-3)
Moses indicates that if someone accidentally kills another person, the slayer can flee to any of the cities and be safe. He also states, “If the distance to the nearest city of refuge was too far, an enraged avenger might be able to chase down and kill the person who caused the death. The slayer would die, even though there was no death sentence and the first death had been an accident. That is why I am commanding you to set aside three cities of refuge.” (Deuteronomy 19:6-7)
Side note: You might be saying, “I thought there were six cities of refuge.” If so, you are right. We mentioned the total number of refuge cities in Numbers 35. Remember, Moses is speaking to the Israelites alongside the Jordan River before they have crossed over into the Promised Land. As a result, they have not occupied the land that God has given them yet. Therefore, Moses states in this chapter that if the Lord enlarges the Israelites territory for them, they are to designate three more areas of refuge; however, we already know that the Lord did enlarge the territory because they have six cities of refuge. Moses and the Israelites, just don’t know that at this time because they have not crossed over the Jordan and taken the land.
Moses continues, “But suppose someone hates a neighbor and deliberately ambushes and murders that neighbor and then escapes to one of the cities of refuge. In that case, the leaders of the murderer’s hometown must have the murderer brought back from the city of refuge and handed over to the dead person’s avenger to be killed. Do not feel sorry for that murderer! Purge the guilt of murder from Israel so all may go well with you.” (Deuteronomy 19:11-13)
Moses finishes the chapter informing the people of Israel to never steal someone else's land (after God has given it to them), never convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of just one witness, and if an accuser is found to be lying, that person will receive the punishment intended for the accused...a life for a life, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, hand for a hand, and foot for a foot.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to treat others fairly and as equals. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.