Deuteronomy 19:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 19:2
2 Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 19 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, love, prayer. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 19:2
2 Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 21:13, Hebrews 6:18