Deuteronomy 19:7
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֛ן
H3651
כֵּ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 9
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עָרִ֖ים
cities
H5892
עָרִ֖ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Joshua 20:7-8 identifies the six cities of refuge: Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron (western side); Bezer, Ramoth, Golan (eastern side). All were Levitical cities (Joshua 21), placing them under priestly oversight. Strategic placement ensured that anyone in Israel could reach refuge quickly. The system functioned throughout Israel's history and was still recognized in Jesus's time, though by then Roman law had superseded it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the accessibility of the cities of refuge illustrate that God's mercy is readily available to all who flee to Him?
- In what ways is Christ our ultimate 'city of refuge' from the judgment we deserve?
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee (עַל־כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ לֵאמֹר שָׁלֹשׁ עָרִים תַּבְדִּיל לָךְ, al-ken anochi metzavvecha lemor shalosh arim tavdil lach)—badal (separate) means to set apart, consecrate for a specific purpose. These cities were holy in function, not in cultic sense—set apart to preserve innocent life.
The command for three cities (in Canaan proper; three more existed in Trans-Jordan, Numbers 35:14) ensured geographical accessibility. No Israelite should be more than 30 miles from refuge. Deuteronomy 19:3 commands making roads and dividing the land into districts to facilitate quick access. Talmudic tradition says signposts reading 'Refuge' marked the way. This practical infrastructure demonstrated God's concern that justice be accessible, not merely theoretical. Christ is our ultimate city of refuge—'God is our refuge and strength' (Psalm 46:1); we 'have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us' (Hebrews 6:18).