1 When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
2 Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
4 And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbor ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbor, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
6 Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past.
7 Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
8 And if the LORD thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;
9 If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three:
10 That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
11 But if any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
12 Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
13 Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
17 Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
21 And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, which is the first five books of the Old Testament. The word “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek word “deutero” meaning “second” and “nomos” meaning “law”. This book is essentially a repetition of the laws given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Chapter 19 of Deuteronomy continues with the laws and regulations that the Israelites are to follow in the Promised Land. It is a continuation of the previous chapters, which have focused on the importance of following God’s laws and the consequences of disobedience. In this chapter, Moses addresses specific laws related to justice and the establishment of cities of refuge for those who have unintentionally caused harm to others. The main themes of this chapter include justice, mercy, and the importance of following God’s laws in order to live a righteous life.
The first section of Deuteronomy chapter 19 emphasizes the importance of justice in the Israelite society. Moses instructs the people to appoint judges and officials in every town to administer justice fairly and impartially. This is essential for maintaining order and peace among the people. The judges are to hear cases and make decisions based on the evidence presented, without showing favoritism or prejudice. This is in line with God’s character, as He is a just and fair God who does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). The Israelites are reminded that justice is not only important for maintaining societal order, but it is also a reflection of their relationship with God. In order to be a holy and righteous people, they must uphold justice and righteousness in their society.
Moses also warns against bearing false witness and giving false testimony, as this can lead to an innocent person being punished. This is a serious offense in the eyes of God, as it goes against His commandment “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). The punishment for false testimony was severe, as the person would be given the same punishment that would have been given to the accused. This serves as a deterrent for anyone who may be tempted to give false testimony in order to harm someone else. It also highlights the importance of truth and honesty in the pursuit of justice.
The second section of Deuteronomy chapter 19 introduces the concept of cities of refuge. These were designated cities where a person who had unintentionally caused harm to someone else could seek refuge and be protected from retaliation. This was a merciful provision from God, as it prevented the cycle of violence and revenge that could occur in such situations. The cities of refuge also served as a reminder that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. He provides a way for those who have made mistakes to find protection and safety.
It is important to note that these cities of refuge were only for those who had unintentionally caused harm. Those who committed intentional acts of violence were to be punished according to the law. This demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and facing the consequences. However, for those who had unintentionally caused harm, the cities of refuge provided a place of safety and a chance for redemption.
The final section of Deuteronomy chapter 19 serves as a warning against disobedience. Moses reminds the Israelites that if they do not follow God’s laws and commands, they will face consequences. This includes being driven out of the Promised Land and facing destruction. This serves as a reminder that God’s laws are not to be taken lightly and that there are serious consequences for disobedience.
Furthermore, Moses emphasizes the importance of following God’s laws with a pure heart and a desire to please Him. He warns against adding or subtracting from God’s commands, as this would lead to disobedience and ultimately, destruction. This highlights the importance of obedience and the seriousness of deviating from God’s commands.
Deuteronomy chapter 19 serves as a reminder to the Israelites about the importance of justice, mercy, and obedience to God’s laws. It shows the Israelites that God is a just and fair God, and He expects His people to reflect His character by administering justice fairly and without prejudice. It also highlights the importance of truth and honesty, as bearing false witness and giving false testimony are serious offenses in the eyes of God.
The concept of cities of refuge also reveals God’s character of mercy and forgiveness. It shows that God provides a way for those who have made mistakes to find safety and redemption. However, it also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and facing the consequences.
Finally, Deuteronomy chapter 19 serves as a warning against disobedience and the consequences that come with it. This chapter reminds the Israelites that God’s laws are not to be taken lightly and that there are serious consequences for deviating from them. It also emphasizes the importance of following God’s laws with a pure heart and a desire to please Him.
In summary, Deuteronomy chapter 19 teaches us about the importance of justice, mercy, and obedience to God’s laws. It reveals God’s character and His expectations for His people. It serves as a reminder that God is just and merciful, and that He expects His people to reflect His character in their actions and decisions. This chapter also warns against disobedience and highlights the seriousness of deviating from God’s commands. Ultimately, Deuteronomy chapter 19 teaches us about the importance of living a righteous life according to God’s laws.
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