Deuteronomy 19:7

KJV

Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore I command {H6680} thee, saying {H559}, Thou shalt separate {H914} three {H7969} cities {H5892} for thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why I am ordering you to set aside for yourselves three cities.

Berean Standard Bible

This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt set apart three cities for thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:7 presents a pivotal divine command to the Israelites, instructing them to designate three specific cities as places of refuge. This mandate, delivered by Moses, underscores God's profound commitment to establishing a just and merciful society within the Promised Land, providing a structured legal mechanism to differentiate between premeditated murder and accidental homicide, thereby protecting the unintentional slayer from immediate, unlawful retribution by the avenger of blood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger legal section of Deuteronomy (chapters 19-25) that outlines various statutes for the nation of Israel as they prepare to inherit the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 19:7 builds upon the foundational command concerning the Cities of Refuge, first introduced in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for Cities of Refuge"). The immediate preceding verses, [Deuteronomy 19:1-6](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-6 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge"), set the stage by explaining the necessity for such a system, differentiating between premeditated murder (which warrants death) and accidental killing (manslaughter). Verse 7 specifically commands the separation of three cities on the west side of the Jordan River, complementing the three already designated on the east side by Moses (as recorded in [Deuteronomy 4:41-43](/deuteronomy/4-41 "Deuteronomy 4:41-43 - Moses Designates Cities East of Jordan")). This comprehensive provision, further elaborated with the promise of three additional cities upon territorial expansion in [Deuteronomy 19:8-9](/deuteronomy/19-8 "Deuteronomy 19:8-9 - Expansion of Cities of Refuge"), highlights God's meticulous planning for a just and accessible system of asylum.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of blood vengeance (lex talionis) was widespread, where a kinsman of a murdered individual had the right and duty to avenge the death. This often led to cycles of escalating violence and lacked a system for distinguishing intent. Israel's legal code, as revealed by God, introduced a revolutionary concept: a regulated system that balanced justice for the victim with mercy for the unintentional slayer. The Cities of Refuge provided a legal framework that circumvented the immediate, often chaotic, retribution of the "avenger of blood" (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_). This system ensured that a fair trial could be held before the elders, distinguishing between deliberate murder and accidental death, a crucial legal distinction that was not universally applied in surrounding cultures. The command also reflects the importance of land and tribal inheritance in Israelite society, as the avenger was often the closest male relative responsible for upholding family honor and property rights.
* **Key Themes:** The establishment of Cities of Refuge in [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws of Justice and Refuge") contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's character as both righteous and compassionate, providing a legal framework that prevents chaotic vigilantism while ensuring due process. This system highlights the **Distinction of Intent** in legal matters, a foundational principle that differentiates between premeditated malice and accidental harm, thereby ensuring a more equitable application of justice. The command to "separate" these cities emphasizes **Provision and Accessibility**, ensuring that these havens were clearly designated and easily reachable for those in distress, reflecting God's care for the vulnerable. Furthermore, the Cities of Refuge embody the theme of **Sanctuary and Protection**, serving as literal places of asylum from immediate retribution until a fair trial could be held, underscoring the sanctity of human life and the importance of a regulated legal system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Command (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** The verb `tsavah` (צוה) signifies a strong, authoritative, and binding instruction. It is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but an imperative from God Himself, delivered through Moses. This emphasizes the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the law concerning the Cities of Refuge, underscoring its foundational importance for the justice system of Israel.
* **Separate (Hebrew, _badal'_):** The word `badal` (בדל) means to divide, distinguish, or set apart. In this context, it implies a deliberate act of consecration and designation. These cities were not to be ordinary towns but were specifically chosen and set aside for a unique, sacred purpose within the legal and social structure of Israel. This act of separation highlights their distinct function as places of asylum, distinct from all other cities.
* **Cities (Hebrew, _'arim'_):** The plural noun `'arim` (עָרִים) refers to established urban centers, not merely villages or encampments. The choice of "cities" implies a degree of infrastructure, resources, and a governing body (elders) capable of administering justice and providing for the needs of those seeking refuge. The specification of "three cities" (and later six) ensures geographical distribution and accessibility across the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I command thee, saying,"**: This introductory clause serves as a solemn declaration of divine authority. It establishes that the following instruction is a direct, non-negotiable mandate from God, communicated through Moses to the Israelite nation. The phrase emphasizes the weight and importance of the command, framing it as a divine imperative for the establishment of a just society.
* **"Thou shalt separate three cities for thee."**: This is the core instruction. "Thou shalt separate" (from `badal`) conveys the imperative to actively designate and set apart these cities for a specific, unique purpose—that of asylum. The number "three cities" points to a deliberate and structured provision, ensuring multiple, accessible points of refuge across the territory west of the Jordan. The phrase "for thee" indicates that this system is established for the benefit and well-being of the Israelite community, reflecting God's meticulous care for their societal order, individual safety, and the equitable administration of justice.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the direct command "Thou shalt separate." This grammatical structure underscores the divine authority behind the instruction, making it a binding law rather than a mere suggestion. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language**, characterized by its precise and prescriptive nature, typical of covenant stipulations. This precision ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the responsibility of the Israelites to establish these cities. Furthermore, the command functions as a form of **Reinforcement** or **Repetition**, echoing and building upon earlier instructions regarding the Cities of Refuge found in Numbers and earlier in Deuteronomy, thereby emphasizing the enduring importance and divine origin of this institution. The specific mention of "three cities" here, in conjunction with the promise of more in subsequent verses, also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the comprehensive and expanding nature of God's provision for justice and mercy within the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:7, in its command to establish Cities of Refuge, profoundly illustrates God's character as both perfectly just and immensely merciful. It reveals a divine legal system that not only upholds the sanctity of human life but also meticulously provides for those who commit accidental harm, preventing unchecked vengeance and ensuring due process. This balance reflects God's desire for a society governed by order, fairness, and compassion, where even in the face of tragedy, there is a pathway to safety and a just hearing. The Cities of Refuge thus stand as a powerful testament to God's redemptive concern for humanity, offering a physical manifestation of refuge from the consequences of unintentional sin and the uncontrolled wrath of others.

* [Numbers 35:11](/numbers/35-11 "Numbers 35:11 - Initial Command for Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:2](/joshua/20-2 "Joshua 20:2 - Establishment of Cities of Refuge")
* [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Hope in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command to "separate three cities" for refuge offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that a just society, guided by divine principles, must always seek to balance accountability with compassion, distinguishing between malicious intent and accidental harm. This principle challenges us to build legal and social systems that are not merely punitive but also restorative and merciful, providing avenues for protection and fair judgment. Spiritually, Deuteronomy 19:7 serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition. In a world fraught with sin and its consequences, we all stand in need of refuge. Just as the slayer fled to a physical city, we are called to flee to a spiritual sanctuary, finding protection and forgiveness from the ultimate consequences of our fallen nature. This verse compels us to consider where we seek our ultimate safety and how we, as individuals and communities, can embody God's heart for justice, mercy, and provision of true refuge for the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Cities of Refuge challenge our understanding of justice and mercy in society today?**
* **In what ways do we, as individuals or communities, need to "separate" spaces or practices that offer true refuge and safety in a chaotic world?**
* **How does the distinction between premeditated and unintentional acts in God's law inform our approach to forgiveness and accountability?**
* **What does it mean to "flee for refuge" to Christ in our contemporary lives, and what does that refuge offer us?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel need Cities of Refuge if God's law was perfect?**

Answer: God's law is indeed perfect, but it was given to an imperfect people living in a fallen world. The Cities of Refuge were a pragmatic and merciful provision within that context. They regulated the ancient, often chaotic, practice of blood vengeance, preventing escalating cycles of violence and ensuring due process. Without them, an accidental death could lead to an immediate, unregulated retaliatory killing by the "avenger of blood," regardless of intent. This system demonstrated God's wisdom in providing a legal framework that accounted for human error and the need for a fair hearing ([Numbers 35:24-25](/numbers/35-24 "Numbers 35:24-25 - Trial and Judgment for the Slayer")), rather than immediate, uncontrolled retribution. It was a testament to God's desire for a just and orderly society, even in the face of human fallibility.

**Were these cities truly "safe" for the unintentional killer?**

Answer: Yes, they were designed to be safe havens, offering immediate protection. Upon reaching a City of Refuge, the slayer was protected from the avenger of blood until a formal trial could be held before the elders at the gate of the city where the killing occurred ([Numbers 35:24-25](/numbers/35-24 "Numbers 35:24-25 - Trial and Judgment for the Slayer")). If found innocent of premeditated murder, the slayer would then reside within the City of Refuge until the death of the current high priest ([Numbers 35:28](/numbers/35-28 "Numbers 35:28 - Release upon High Priest's Death")). This provided a period of protection and a structured path back to society, albeit with a temporary exile, ensuring that the avenger's right to vengeance was satisfied by the slayer's confinement and the high priest's death, which symbolized an atonement for the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Cities of Refuge, while a vital part of Israel's legal system and a testament to God's justice and mercy, serve as a profound **type** or **shadow** pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a designated city for safety from the avenger of blood, humanity, condemned by sin, finds ultimate asylum in Christ. The law, as a just avenger, demands a penalty for sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), and without a covering, we are exposed to divine wrath. Yet, in Christ, we find a sanctuary where the penalty has been fully paid through His sacrificial death. He is our true and accessible refuge, the one to whom we "flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Fleeing for Refuge to Hope in Christ")). Unlike the temporary nature of the earthly cities, whose protection lasted only until the high priest's death, our refuge in Christ is eternal and secured by His everlasting priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). He is the ultimate High Priest whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice provides permanent atonement and an enduring place of safety from the just wrath of God, offering not merely protection from physical death, but eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). In Him, we find not just a temporary reprieve, but complete forgiveness and everlasting peace.

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.