Deuteronomy 19:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt prepare {H3559} thee a way {H1870}, and divide the coasts {H1366} of thy land {H776}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth thee to inherit {H5157}, into three parts {H8027}, that every slayer {H7523} may flee {H5127} thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

Divide the territory of your land, which ADONAI your God is having you inherit, into three parts; and prepare the roads, so that any killer can flee to these cities.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt prepare thee the way, and divide the borders of thy land, which Jehovah thy God causeth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee thither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:3 commands the Israelites to establish a practical infrastructure for the cities of refuge within the Promised Land. This involved preparing clear pathways and dividing the territory into three accessible regions, ensuring that anyone who had unintentionally caused a death could quickly and safely reach a designated city. This divine instruction underscores God's meticulous concern for justice, due process, and the protection of life, even for those who had committed accidental homicide, providing a necessary respite from immediate retribution by the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19:3 is embedded within a section of civil and criminal laws (Deuteronomy 19-21) that Moses delivers to the Israelites as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. This specific verse elaborates on the institution of the cities of refuge, which was first commanded in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Homicide Laws"). While [Numbers 35:11](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11 - Cities of Refuge") initially outlines the purpose of these cities, Deuteronomy provides further practical details for their implementation. Moses had already set aside three cities on the east side of the Jordan River, as noted in [Deuteronomy 4:41-43](/deuteronomy/4-41 "Deuteronomy 4:41-43 - Moses Designates Cities of Refuge East of Jordan"), and this command anticipates the establishment of an additional three cities within Canaan itself, making a total of six. The immediate verses following [Deuteronomy 19:3](/deuteronomy/19-3 "Deuteronomy 19:3 - Prepare Ways to Cities of Refuge") (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:4-7](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-7 - Distinguishing Accidental from Intentional Killing")) further clarify the distinction between accidental killing and intentional murder, emphasizing the precise legal framework governing these cities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the concept of blood vengeance was prevalent, where a relative of the deceased (the "avenger of blood" or *go'el haddam*) had the right and often the duty to exact retribution upon the killer. This system, while aiming for justice, often led to escalating blood feuds and cycles of violence, especially in cases of accidental death. The divine provision of cities of refuge in Israel served as a crucial legal innovation, mitigating the harshness of immediate retribution and introducing a system of due process. It distinguished between premeditated murder, which warranted capital punishment, and unintentional homicide, which required sanctuary and a fair trial. This system was designed to prevent innocent blood from being shed and to maintain social order and justice within the community, reflecting God's unique moral standards for His people.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [Deuteronomy 19:3](/deuteronomy/19-3 "Deuteronomy 19:3 - Prepare Ways to Cities of Refuge") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's concern for both righteous judgment and compassionate provision. It ensures that while intentional murder is met with severe consequences (as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - Punishment for Intentional Murder")), unintentional acts are treated with a pathway to sanctuary and a fair hearing. Secondly, the passage underscores the **Sanctity of Human Life**, emphasizing its immense value in God's eyes. By establishing a system to protect even those who accidentally caused death, God actively worked to prevent further bloodshed and uphold the dignity of human existence. Finally, the instruction to "prepare thee a way" and "divide the coasts... into three parts" speaks to **Accessibility and Practicality in Divine Law**. God's laws were not abstract ideals but practical guidelines for daily life, designed to be implementable and effective, ensuring that the provision of refuge was genuinely available to all who needed it, regardless of their location within the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepare (Hebrew, _takhin'_):** From the root כּוּן (kun), meaning "to establish, set up, make firm, prepare." In this context, it implies a deliberate, active effort to make the paths to the cities of refuge clear, well-maintained, and easily navigable. This wasn't a passive suggestion but a command for practical infrastructure development, ensuring that the fleeing slayer would not be hindered by impassable terrain or confusing routes. It speaks to the meticulousness of God's provision for justice and safety.
* **divide (Hebrew, _v'shillashta'_):** From the root שָׁלַשׁ (shalash), meaning "to divide into three parts." This specific instruction to divide the land into three distinct regions, each with its own city of refuge, was a strategic geographical imperative. It ensured that no part of the land was too far from a city of refuge, thereby maximizing the accessibility and effectiveness of the system. This demonstrates divine foresight in legislation, anticipating the practical needs of the people and ensuring equitable access to justice across the entire territory.
* **slayer (Hebrew, _rotzeach'_):** While the general meaning of רֹצֵחַ (rotzeach) is "killer" or "murderer," the immediate context of [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Examples of Accidental Homicide") clarifies that this term, in the context of cities of refuge, specifically refers to an *unintentional* killer. This distinction is crucial for understanding the purpose of the cities, which were not for premeditated murderers (who were to be put to death, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - Punishment for Intentional Murder")) but for those who caused death accidentally, without malice aforethought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt prepare thee a way,"**: This clause is a direct command to the Israelite community, emphasizing their communal responsibility. It signifies the physical effort required to clear and maintain roads leading to the designated cities of refuge. This was not merely a legal decree but a practical, logistical task, ensuring that the path to safety was unimpeded and clearly marked, allowing a fleeing individual to reach sanctuary quickly and without confusion.
* **"and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts,"**: This specifies the geographical strategy for implementing the cities of refuge. The land, soon to be inherited from God, was to be conceptually or practically partitioned into three major sections. Within each section, a city of refuge would be established, ensuring that no matter where an accidental killing occurred, a city of refuge would be within reasonable fleeing distance. This highlights God's foresight and meticulous planning for the well-being and just governance of His people.
* **"that every slayer may flee thither."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and benefit of the entire infrastructure. The clear paths and strategic distribution of cities were all designed to facilitate the escape of the accidental killer, allowing them to reach a place of temporary safety from the avenger of blood until their case could be properly adjudicated. It underscores the compassionate and just intent behind the law, providing a pathway for due process and protection for those not guilty of intentional murder.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:3 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The entire passage functions as **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, presenting a clear, prescriptive command from God to His people. There is a strong element of **Divine Command**, indicated by the imperative "Thou shalt prepare," underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this instruction. The verse also utilizes **Foresight** and **Practicality** as underlying principles, demonstrating God's meticulous planning for the future well-being and orderly society of Israel in the Promised Land. The concept of "a way" and "dividing the coasts" serves as a **Metaphor** for God's provision of accessible grace and justice, ensuring that the means of protection are not only available but also easily reachable. Furthermore, the establishment of these cities can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing God's own character as a refuge and a just judge, providing sanctuary for the vulnerable while upholding the sanctity of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:3 reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His design for human society. It demonstrates His meticulous concern for justice, distinguishing between degrees of culpability and providing a pathway for mercy and due process even for those who have caused unintentional harm. This divine legislation underscores the sanctity of human life, valuing it so highly that elaborate provisions were made to prevent further bloodshed and ensure fair judgment. The practical instructions to prepare ways and divide the land reflect God's foresight and His desire for His laws to be not merely theoretical but fully accessible and implementable, ensuring that His justice and mercy could reach all corners of the land and all individuals in need. This system prefigures a deeper spiritual truth: God Himself is the ultimate refuge and source of protection for His people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

* [Numbers 35:11](/numbers/35-11 "Initial Command for Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "God's Unchangeable Purpose and Our Hope in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:3 offers timeless principles for reflection and application in our lives and communities today. It challenges us to consider the profound importance of intent in our actions and judgments, mirroring God's own discernment between accidental and deliberate wrongdoing. This passage calls us to actively participate in creating and maintaining systems that uphold justice, offer protection to the vulnerable, and provide pathways for redemption and reconciliation within society. Just as the Israelites were commanded to prepare clear ways to the cities of refuge, we are called to remove obstacles that hinder access to justice, mercy, and support for those in need. Furthermore, it reminds us of the communal responsibility to ensure that the provisions for safety and fairness are not just theoretical but practically accessible to everyone, reflecting God's compassionate and orderly character in our own societal structures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the cities of refuge challenge our own understanding of justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, "prepare a way" or remove obstacles for those seeking help, justice, or refuge today?**
* **How does the distinction between intentional and unintentional harm in this passage influence our approach to judging others or seeking forgiveness?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that systems of support and justice in our society are truly accessible to all, especially the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the cities of refuge in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the cities of refuge was to provide a safe haven for individuals who had accidentally caused the death of another person. In ancient Israelite society, there was a legal custom of the "avenger of blood" ([Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")), a close relative of the deceased who had the right to pursue and kill the slayer. The cities of refuge protected the accidental killer from immediate retaliation until their case could be brought before the elders at the city gate for a fair trial ([Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Differentiating Accidental from Intentional Killing")). If found truly innocent of premeditated murder, the slayer could remain in the city until the death of the high priest ([Numbers 35:25](/numbers/35-25 "Numbers 35:25 - Return from City of Refuge")), after which they could return to their own land. This system ensured due process and distinguished between intentional murder and accidental homicide, preventing cycles of blood feuds and upholding God's justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:3, with its emphasis on preparing accessible pathways to cities of refuge for the unintentional slayer, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the cities provided a physical sanctuary from the avenger of blood, Christ offers ultimate spiritual refuge from the just condemnation of sin and the ultimate "avenger" of spiritual death. The Old Testament system, though divinely ordained, was limited and temporary; it could only protect from physical death and required the death of the high priest for release. In contrast, Jesus, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, dying once for all to secure eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the "way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")) to God, a perfectly prepared and accessible path for all who flee from the consequences of their sin, whether intentional or unintentional. Through faith in Him, we find not just temporary reprieve but complete forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life, a sanctuary that transcends any earthly city of refuge ([Hebrews 6:18-20](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18-20 - Hope in Christ, Our Anchor for the Soul")). He is our ultimate [refuge and strength](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), a present help in trouble, offering a secure and everlasting dwelling place for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 57:14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

Hebrews 12:13

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Isaiah 62:10

¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.