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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 19:9 serves as a pivotal conditional promise, concluding the instructions for the cities of refuge by linking their full implementation to Israel's covenantal faithfulness. This verse declares that if the nation diligently observes all of God's commandments, motivated by a genuine love for the LORD and a consistent walk in His ways, then they will be granted the privilege of establishing three additional cities of refuge beyond the initial six. This divine promise profoundly underscores the intrinsic connection between heartfelt devotion, obedient living, and the expansion of God's provision for justice and mercy within the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:9 primarily employs a Conditional Statement, structured as an "if-then" clause, which is a foundational rhetorical and theological device throughout the Old Testament covenants. This structure clearly links Israel's obedience to God's blessing, emphasizing the reciprocal and dynamic nature of the covenant relationship. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, particularly in the phrase "to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways," where the second phrase ("to walk ever in his ways") elaborates on and reinforces the meaning of the first ("to love the LORD thy God"), indicating that true love for God is intrinsically demonstrated through a life lived in accordance with His will. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of Foreshadowing, looking ahead to a future time when Israel's territory would expand, necessitating additional provisions for justice. This anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises of land and nationhood, contingent upon their faithfulness, and underscores the divine foresight in the covenant design.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:9 profoundly articulates the core principle of the Mosaic Covenant: the inextricable link between Israel's obedience and God's blessings. It elevates obedience from mere legalistic compliance to an expression of profound love for God, demonstrating that true worship involves a holistic alignment of heart, mind, and action with His divine will. The expansion of the cities of refuge, contingent on this faithfulness, illustrates God's commitment not only to His promises of land and prosperity but also to the establishment of a just and merciful society that reflects His own character. This verse teaches that divine provision and the flourishing of God's people are directly tied to their diligent pursuit of righteousness and a loving relationship with their Creator, revealing a God who delights in rewarding the faithful and desires their flourishing within the bounds of His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:9 offers a timeless challenge and profound encouragement for believers today. While the specific legal framework of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying spiritual principles of love, obedience, and God's responsive provision remain profoundly relevant. This verse calls us to deeply examine the nature of our love for the LORD: Is it merely a sentiment, or does it translate into a consistent "walk"—a lifestyle of actively seeking to keep His commandments and align our lives with His revealed will? True spiritual flourishing, the experience of God's abundant provision and blessing in our lives, is intimately connected to our faithfulness and devotion. This isn't about earning salvation, which is by grace through faith, but about living out the reality of a transformed heart that delights in God's ways. It encourages us to pursue a holistic obedience, rooted in genuine love, knowing that our faithful walk brings honor to God and allows us to participate more fully in His divine purposes for our lives and the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways" truly mean in a practical sense for a modern believer?
Answer: For a modern believer, "to love the LORD thy God" means cultivating a deep, active devotion to Him that prioritizes His will and seeks His glory above all else. This isn't just an emotion, but a committed choice that manifests in action. It means choosing to obey Him not out of fear or legalistic obligation, but out of a grateful, affectionate heart that recognizes His goodness and sovereignty. "To walk ever in his ways" means that this love translates into a consistent, ongoing lifestyle. It implies that your daily decisions, your interactions with others, your moral choices, your use of resources, and your spiritual disciplines are all aligned with God's character and His commands as revealed in Scripture. It's about a continuous journey of living according to His principles, seeking to honor Him in every aspect of your life, trusting in His guidance (e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:9, with its emphasis on covenantal obedience, profound love for God, and the provision of refuge, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel consistently struggled to "keep all these commandments" and "walk ever in his ways," Jesus perfectly embodied this ideal. He declared, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15), demonstrating the very heart of the obedience called for in Deuteronomy. He is the one who perfectly loved the Father and flawlessly walked in His ways, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17). Furthermore, the cities of refuge, which offered a safe haven for the unintentional manslayer, powerfully foreshadow Christ as our ultimate spiritual refuge. He is the one to whom we flee for safety from the just condemnation of our sins, providing complete atonement and forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 6:18). The promise of adding more cities of refuge, contingent on Israel's faithfulness, can be seen as a shadow of the universal and unlimited availability of salvation in Christ, extending beyond Israel to all nations (e.g., Acts 13:47). Through Him, we are not only granted refuge but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely love God and walk in His ways, fulfilling the spirit of the law that ancient Israel could not achieve on its own (Romans 8:3-4).