Deuteronomy 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.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁל֥וֹשׁ
three
H7969
שָׁל֥וֹשׁ
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
1 of 12
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עָרִ֖ים
cities
H5892
עָרִ֖ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
תַּבְדִּ֣יל
Thou shalt separate
H914
תַּבְדִּ֣יל
Thou shalt separate
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
3 of 12
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
בְּת֣וֹךְ
for thee in the midst
H8432
בְּת֣וֹךְ
for thee in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
5 of 12
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Exodus 21:13And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Historical Context
Joshua established six cities of refuge total - three west of Jordan (Deuteronomy 19 refers to these) and three east of Jordan. These provided sanctuary for unintentional killers until trial could determine guilt or innocence.
The cities were Levitical cities, ensuring priests could instruct fugitives and maintain justice. This combined mercy with proper legal process.
Questions for Reflection
- How do cities of refuge demonstrate the balance between God's justice and mercy?
- What does strategic placement of refuge cities teach about God's accessible mercy?
- How does the city of refuge system foreshadow Christ as refuge from divine wrath?
- Why was it important that refuge be available quickly without requiring impossible journeys?
- What does location of refuge cities in Levitical cities teach about combining mercy with legal justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it. Cities of refuge demonstrate God's mercy alongside His justice. While requiring punishment for intentional murder, He provides protection for accidental manslaughter, balancing justice with compassion.
The command to separate three cities indicates deliberate setting apart for special purpose. These cities functioned differently from others, dedicated to preserving innocent life from revenge killing. God institutes structures protecting the vulnerable from vigilante justice.
Placement in the midst of thy land ensured accessibility - refuge cities strategically located so every region had nearby protection. God's mercy must be accessible to those who need it, not confined to remote locations requiring impossible journeys.
This system foreshadows Christ as our refuge from divine justice. Those who flee to Him find protection from the wrath we deserve, covered by His substitutionary atonement.