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Commentary on Deuteronomy 19 verses 1–13
It was one of the precepts given to the sons of Noah that whoso sheddeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed, that is, by the avenger of blood, Gen 9:6. Now here we have the law settled between blood and blood, between the blood of the murdered and the blood of the murderer, and effectual provision made,
I. That the cities of refuge should be a protection to him that slew another casually, so that he should not die for that as a crime which was not his voluntary act, but only his unhappiness. The appointment of these cities of refuge we had before (Exo 21:13), and the law laid down concerning them at large, Num 35:10, etc. It is here repeated, and direction is given concerning three things: -
1.The appointing of three cities in Canaan for this purpose. Moses had already appointed three on that side Jordan which he saw the conquest of; and now he bids them, when they should be settled in the other part of the country, to appoint three more, Deu 19:1-3, Deu 19:7. The country was to be divided into three districts, as near by as might be equal, and a city of refuge in the centre of each so that every corner of the land might have one within reach. Thus Christ is not a refuge at a distance, which we must ascend to heaven or go down to the deep for, but the word is nigh us, and Christ in the word, Rom 10:8. The gospel brings salvation to our door, and there it knocks for admission. To make the flight of the delinquent the more easy, the way must be prepared that led to the city of refuge. Probably they had causeways or street-ways leading to those cities, and the Jews say that the magistrates of Israel, upon one certain day in the year, sent out messengers to see that those roads were in good repair, and they were to remove stumbling-blocks, mend bridges that were broken, and, where two ways met, they were to set up a Mercurial post, with a finger to point the right way, on which was engraven in great letters, Miklat, Miklat - Refuge, Refuge. In allusion to this, gospel ministers are to show people the way to Christ, and to assist and direct them in flying by faith to him for refuge. They must be ready to remove their prejudices, and help them over their difficulties. And, blessed be God, the way of holiness, to all that seek it faithfully, is a highway so plain that the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
2.The use to be made of these cities, Deu 19:4-6. (1.) It is supposed that it might so happen that a man might be the death of his neighbour without any design upon him either from a sudden passion or malice prepense, but purely by accident, as by the flying off of an axe-head, which is the instance here given, with which every case of this kind was to be compared, and by it adjudged. See how human life lies exposed daily, and what deaths we are often in, and what need therefore we have to be always ready, our souls being continually in our hands. How are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them! Ecc 9:12. An evil time indeed it is when this happens not only to the slain but to the slayer. (2.) It is supposed that the relations of the person slain would be forward to avenge the blood, in affection to their friend and in zeal for public justice. Though the law did not allow the avenging of any other affront or injury with death, yet the avenger of blood, the blood of a relation, shall have great allowances made for the heat of his heart upon such a provocation as that, and his killing only, should not be accounted murder if he did it before he got to the city of refuge, though it is owned he was not worthy of death. Thus would God possess people with a great horror and dread of the sin of murder: if mere chance-medley did thus expose a man, surely he that wilfully does violence to the blood of any person, whether from an old grudge or upon a sudden provocation, must flee to the pit, and let no man stay him (Pro 28:17); yet the New Testament represents the sin of murder as more heinous and more dangerous than even this law does. Jo1 3:15, You know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (3.) It is provided that, if an avenger of blood should be so unreasonable as to demand satisfaction for blood shed by accident only, then the city of refuge should protect the slayer. Sins of ignorance indeed do expose us to the wrath of God, but there is relief provided, if by faith and repentance we make use of it. Paul that had been a persecutor obtained mercy, because he did it ignorantly; and Christ prayed for his crucifiers, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
3.The appointing of three cities more for this use in case God should hereafter enlarge their territories and the dominion of their religion, that all those places which came under the government of the law of Moses in other instances might enjoy the benefit of that law in this instance, Deu 19:8-10. Here is, (1.) An intimation of God's gracious intention to enlarge their coast, as he had promised to their fathers, if they did not by their disobedience forfeit the promise, the condition of which is here carefully repeated, that, if it were not performed, the reproach might lie upon them, and not on God. He promised to give it, if thou shalt keep all these commandments; not otherwise. (2.) A direction to them to appoint three cities more in their new conquests, which, the number intimates, should be as large as their first conquests were; wherever the border of Israel went this privilege must attend it, that innocent blood be not shed, Deu 19:10. Though God is the saviour and preserver of all men, and has a tender regard to all lives, yet the blood of Israelites is in a particular manner precious to him, Psa 72:14. The learned Ainsworth observes that the Jewish writers themselves own that, the condition not being performed, the promise of the enlarging of their coast was never fulfilled; so that there was no occasion for ever adding these three cities of refuge; yet the holy blessed God (say they) did not command it in vain, for in the days of Messiah the prince three other cities shall be added to these six: they expect it to be fulfilled in the letter, but we know that in Christ it has its spiritual accomplishment, for the borders of the gospel Israel are enlarged according to the promise, and in Christ, the Lord our righteousness, refuge is provided for those that by faith flee to him.
II. It is provided that the cities of refuge should be no sanctuary or shelter to a wilful murderer, but even thence he should be fetched, and delivered to the avenger of blood, Deu 19:11-13. 1. This shows that wilful murder must never be protected by the civil magistrate; he bears the sword of justice in vain if he suffers those to escape the edge of it that lie under the guilt of blood, which he by office is the avenger of. During the dominion of the papacy in our own land, before the Reformation, there were some churches and religious houses (as they called them) that were made sanctuaries for the protection of all sorts of criminals that fled to them, wilful murderers not excepted, so that (as Stamford says, in his Pleas of the Crown, lib. II. c. 38) the government follows not Moses but Romulus, and it was not till about the latter end of Henry VIII's time that this privilege of sanctuary for wilful murder was taken away, when in that, as in other cases, the word of God came to be regarded more than the dictates of the see of Rome. And some have thought it would be a completing of that instance of reformation if the benefit of clergy were taken away for man-slaughter, that is, the killing of a man upon a small provocation, since this law allowed refuge only in case of that which our law calls chance-medley. 2. It may be alluded to to show that in Jesus Christ there is no refuge for presumptuous sinners, that go on still in their trespasses. If we thus sin wilfully, sin and go on in it, there remains no sacrifice, Heb 10:26. Those that flee to Christ from their sins shall be safe in him, but not those that expect to be sheltered by him in their sins. Salvation itself cannot save such: divine justice will fetch them even from the city of refuge, the protection of which they are not entitled to.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:8 articulates a profound, conditional promise from the LORD God to the nation of Israel, anticipating a future expansion of their territorial boundaries beyond the initial allocation. This divine enlargement of their "coast" or borders is explicitly linked to the solemn oath God made to their patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—concerning the full extent of the Promised Land. The verse, therefore, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, while simultaneously setting the stage for the necessary establishment of additional cities of refuge, as detailed in the subsequent verses, to ensure justice and protection within this expanded domain.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:8 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is the Conditional Clause, introduced by "And if," which sets up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between God's action of enlarging Israel's territory and Israel's subsequent responsibility (to establish more cities of refuge, as detailed in verse 9). This structure highlights divine sovereignty in giving blessing and human responsibility in responding to that blessing. There is also strong Repetition and Emphasis through the repeated phrase "sworn unto thy fathers" and "promised to give unto thy fathers." This repetition serves to underscore the unwavering faithfulness of God to His ancient covenant promises, reinforcing the certainty and divine origin of the land grant. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in Covenantal Language, drawing directly from the foundational promises made to the patriarchs. This language connects the immediate legal instruction regarding cities of refuge to the grand narrative of God's redemptive history with Israel, elevating a practical command to a theological principle rooted in God's character and His eternal plan.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:8 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over the destiny of nations. It demonstrates that God's promises, especially those sealed by an oath, are absolutely reliable and will be fulfilled in His time and way. The verse connects the physical blessing of territorial expansion directly to God's ancient covenant with Abraham, emphasizing that Israel's inheritance is not earned but gifted, rooted in divine grace and commitment. This divine enlargement, however, is not without responsibility; it necessitates an expansion of justice and order, as seen in the command to establish additional cities of refuge. This illustrates a profound theological principle: divine blessing often comes with increased responsibility to uphold God's righteous standards and to extend His justice and care to all within the expanded sphere of influence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the steadfast character of God. Just as God was faithful to His ancient promises to Israel concerning their physical inheritance, He remains utterly faithful to His new covenant promises to us in Christ. We are called to live with an unwavering trust in His word, knowing that His promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus. This verse also encourages us to consider how God might be "enlarging our coast" today—not necessarily in physical territory, but in spiritual influence, opportunities for ministry, personal growth, or even in our capacity for love and service. When God expands our sphere, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, it invariably comes with increased responsibility. Just as Israel was to establish more cities of refuge to ensure justice, we are called to extend God's righteousness, compassion, and truth into every newly enlarged area of our lives, ensuring that our blessings are used for His glory and the good of others. This requires intentionality in living out our faith, being vigilant to uphold justice, offer refuge, and demonstrate grace in all our interactions.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "enlarge thy coast" specifically mean in this context?
Answer: In Deuteronomy 19:8, "enlarge thy coast" refers to the expansion of Israel's national territory or geographical boundaries. The KJV uses "coast" in an older sense, meaning a border or frontier, not necessarily land adjacent to the sea. This phrase directly relates to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, where the land was described as stretching from the River of Egypt to the River Euphrates. It signifies a divine blessing of increased land, security, and prosperity for the nation of Israel, fulfilling the full scope of the covenant made with their patriarchs.
Did Israel ever fully possess this enlarged territory as promised?
Answer: Historically, Israel achieved significant territorial expansion under kings like David and Solomon, reaching close to the promised ideal borders, particularly in terms of influence and control over vassal states. However, they never consistently and fully occupied the entire vast expanse from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates for extended periods as a unified, obedient nation. The "if" clause in Deuteronomy 19:8 implies a condition of obedience, and Israel's fluctuating faithfulness often impacted the full realization of God's blessings. The promise, therefore, has both a historical partial fulfillment and an eschatological dimension, pointing to a future, ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God, which transcends physical borders.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:8, with its promise of territorial enlargement rooted in God's sworn oath to the patriarchs, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise concerned a physical land for a physical nation, the New Covenant reveals a spiritual inheritance for a spiritual people—the church, which is Christ's body. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham through whom all the promises, including the promise of an inheritance, are fulfilled (Galatians 3:16). The "enlargement of coast" for believers is not a geographical expansion, but an expansion of spiritual blessing, influence, and the boundless inheritance we receive in Christ. We are given "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3), an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The "land" promised to the fathers foreshadows the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, and where God's people will dwell eternally with Him (Revelation 21:1-4). Christ, as our ultimate refuge, fulfills the spirit of the cities of refuge, offering perfect and eternal sanctuary from sin and judgment to all who flee to Him (Hebrews 6:18). Thus, the physical promise of Deuteronomy 19:8 points forward to the immeasurable spiritual realities and the eternal Kingdom established by Jesus, the true heir of all things.