Deuteronomy 4:41
Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;
Original Language Analysis
אָ֣ז
H227
יַבְדִּ֤יל
severed
H914
יַבְדִּ֤יל
severed
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
2 of 9
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
4 of 9
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עָרִ֔ים
cities
H5892
עָרִ֔ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּעֵ֖בֶר
on this side
H5676
בְּעֵ֖בֶר
on this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
Moses establishes three cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan—territory already conquered from Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 2-3). This action occurred on the plains of Moab around 1406 BC, before crossing into Canaan proper. These cities fulfilled the law given earlier (Numbers 35:9-15) and demonstrated God's concern for justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' transition from theological teaching to practical legislation model the relationship between doctrine and ethics?
- What tasks within your reach should you complete faithfully, even if you cannot accomplish everything you hoped?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
The narrative shifts abruptly from exhortation to action. The verb yavdil (יַבְדִּל, 'severed/set apart') indicates formal consecration for a specific purpose. Moses does not merely designate but actively separates these cities for their sacred function. The phrase mizrechah shamesh (מִזְרְחָה שָׁמֶשׁ, 'toward the rising sun') locates them east of the Jordan—Transjordan territory already conquered.
This practical legislation follows theological discourse, demonstrating that doctrine must produce ethics. Moses moves seamlessly from teaching about God's character to establishing institutions that reflect it. The cities of refuge embody divine justice and mercy in civic structure. God cares not only about worship but about how societies handle accidental death, blood guilt, and communal responsibility.
The timing is significant: Moses establishes these cities before his death, ensuring the eastern tribes have legal protection equal to what western tribes will eventually receive (Joshua 20). Even though Moses cannot enter Canaan, he faithfully completes every task within his reach. Leadership means doing what you can, where you are, with what time remains. Moses models finishing well despite personal disappointment.