Deuteronomy 19:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 19:7
7 Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 19 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, creation, judgment. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 19:7
7 Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?