Deuteronomy 4:43

KJV

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Namely, Bezer {H1221} in the wilderness {H4057}, in the plain {H4334} country {H776}, of the Reubenites {H7206}; and Ramoth {H7216} in Gilead {H1568}, of the Gadites {H1425}; and Golan {H1474} in Bashan {H1316}, of the Manassites {H4520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cities were Betzer in the desert, in the flatland, for the Re'uveni; Ramot in Gil'ad for the Gadi; and Golan in Bashan for the M'nashi.

Berean Standard Bible

Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.

American Standard Version

namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:43 specifies three of the six Cities of Refuge designated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River: Bezer for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites. These cities were divinely ordained sanctuaries, providing asylum for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, thereby protecting them from the immediate retribution of the avenger of blood and ensuring a fair legal process within Israelite society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:43 immediately follows Moses's general command in [Deuteronomy 4:41](/deuteronomy/4-41 "Deuteronomy 4:41 - Moses Sets Apart Cities") to set apart Cities of Refuge for those who unintentionally kill their neighbor. This specific verse, along with [Deuteronomy 4:42](/deuteronomy/4-42 "Deuteronomy 4:42 - Purpose of the Cities of Refuge"), provides the concrete details and geographical locations of the first three cities to be established. It is part of Moses's second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they enter the Promised Land. This section emphasizes the importance of obeying God's statutes and judgments, particularly those related to justice and the sanctity of life, as a prerequisite for their well-being and prosperity in the land. The establishment of these cities underscores the practical application of the Mosaic Law.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of Cities of Refuge was a unique provision within ancient Israelite law, distinguishing it from the prevailing "eye for an eye" retribution common in the ancient Near East. While the principle of "an eye for an eye" ([Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Lex Talionis")) was about proportional justice, it often led to cycles of blood vengeance. The Cities of Refuge provided a legal framework to differentiate between premeditated murder and accidental manslaughter, a crucial distinction for a society governed by divine law. The "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, _go'el haddam_) was a relative of the deceased who had the right and duty to avenge the death. These cities, strategically located on both sides of the Jordan, were essential for ensuring that justice was administered fairly and that innocent lives were protected from arbitrary retaliation, reflecting God's meticulous care for human life and due process.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:43 contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating God's perfect balance in providing both strict laws against murder ([Deuteronomy 19:11-13](/deuteronomy/19-11 "Deuteronomy 19:11-13 - Punishment for Premeditated Murder")) and a compassionate provision for the unintentionally guilty. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Order and Governance**, as the establishment of these cities was vital for the orderly functioning of Israelite society in the Promised Land, preventing chaos and blood feuds. This reflects God's desire for a just and stable nation. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Obedience to God's Commands**, as Moses's act of setting apart these cities, even before the conquest, was a direct fulfillment of God's earlier instructions given in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - The Cities of Refuge and Levites' Inheritance"), reinforcing the necessity of adhering to divine law for the nation's blessing and survival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezer (Hebrew, _betzer'_):** Meaning "fortress," "stronghold," or possibly "gold ore." This city, located in the wilderness of the plain country (Mishor) of the Reubenites, likely served as a literal point of strength or refuge, its name perhaps reflecting its intended function as a secure place of asylum. Its location in a relatively open, flat region would have made it accessible to those fleeing.
* **Ramoth (Hebrew, _ramot'_):** Meaning "heights" or "high places." Ramoth in Gilead, assigned to the Gadites, was a significant city in a mountainous region east of the Jordan. Its name suggests its elevated geographical position, providing a commanding view and perhaps a sense of security due to its natural defenses. This city was strategically important and frequently mentioned in later biblical narratives.
* **Golan (Hebrew, _golan'_):** The etymology is debated, possibly related to "circuit," "exile," or "surrounding." Golan in Bashan, designated for the Manassites, was located in a fertile, prominent region. The name might allude to its position as a place where one "goes around" or "is exiled to" for safety, reflecting the journey of the manslayer to the city for refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites;":** This clause identifies the first City of Refuge east of the Jordan. Bezer was situated in the Mishor, a flat plateau region, within the tribal territory allocated to the Reubenites. The phrase "in the wilderness" (often referring to pasturelands) indicates its location in a less densely populated area, yet accessible, emphasizing its role as a designated sanctuary for this specific tribe.
* **"and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites;":** The second city named is Ramoth, located in the region of Gilead, which was assigned to the tribe of Gad. Gilead was a well-known, fertile, and strategically important area east of the Jordan. Ramoth's inclusion ensured that the Gadites, and others in their vicinity, had a readily available place of refuge, highlighting the equitable distribution of these sanctuaries across the eastern tribes.
* **"and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.":** The third and final city listed for the eastern side of the Jordan is Golan, situated in the fertile and productive region of Bashan, belonging to the half-tribe of Manasseh (east). Bashan was renowned for its rich pastures and strong cities. The inclusion of Golan completed the triad of eastern cities, providing a comprehensive and accessible network of refuge for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:43 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Geographical Specificity**. The verse meticulously lists the three cities by name, along with their precise geographical locations ("in the wilderness, in the plain country," "in Gilead," "in Bashan") and their corresponding tribal affiliations ("of the Reubenites," "of the Gadites," "of the Manassites"). This detailed listing serves to concretize the abstract command given in the preceding verses, providing clear, actionable information for the Israelites. The **Repetition** of the pattern "City, Location, Tribe" reinforces the administrative order and the systematic implementation of God's law. This specificity underscores the divine intention for these cities to be real, accessible places of justice and mercy, not merely theoretical concepts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The establishment of the Cities of Refuge, as detailed in Deuteronomy 4:43, profoundly illustrates God's intricate balance of justice and mercy. While God's law demands accountability for the taking of human life, it also provides a gracious provision for those whose actions were unintentional. This system prevented retaliatory bloodshed and ensured due process, reflecting a divine legal system far more nuanced and compassionate than those of surrounding nations. It highlights God's meticulous care for human life and His desire for an orderly society where even the guilty by accident could find a temporary sanctuary and a fair hearing, rather than immediate, violent retribution. This divine provision foreshadows a greater refuge.

* [Numbers 35:9-15](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-15 - Laws of the Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:7-9](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-9 - The Cities of Refuge Established")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concept of the Cities of Refuge in Deuteronomy 4:43 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as these cities provided a physical sanctuary for those in distress, Christ is our ultimate refuge and sanctuary. When we are burdened by the weight of our sins, whether intentional or unintentional, or when we face the accusations of the enemy, we can find complete and unwavering safe haven, forgiveness, and peace in Him. This passage reminds us of God's meticulous care for justice, fairness, and the preservation of life, principles that should guide our own interactions, legal systems, and societal structures. It also speaks to the importance of seeking spiritual sanctuary and due process when faced with accusations or challenging circumstances, trusting that God's grace provides a way out and a path to reconciliation. We are called to extend similar grace and understanding to others, discerning between true malice and unintentional harm, and always pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of Cities of Refuge challenge our modern understanding of justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, need to seek refuge in Christ from the "avenger of blood" (sin, guilt, accusation) in our lives?**
* **How can the principles of distinguishing between intentional and unintentional harm, as seen in the Cities of Refuge, inform our responses to others' mistakes and failures?**
* **What practical steps can we take to create "places of refuge" or safe spaces for those who are hurting or seeking reconciliation in our communities or churches?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Cities of Refuge was to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another person. This system protected them from the immediate retaliation of the "avenger of blood" (a relative of the deceased who had the right to exact vengeance) until a fair trial could be held. It ensured that justice was administered properly, distinguishing between premeditated murder (which incurred the death penalty) and accidental manslaughter (which allowed for refuge until a just legal process could determine innocence or guilt). This prevented cycles of blood feuds and upheld the sanctity of life within Israelite society, demonstrating God's balance of justice and mercy.

**How were the Cities of Refuge chosen and distributed?**

Answer: God commanded Moses to set apart six Cities of Refuge, three on the east side of the Jordan River and three on the west side, after the Israelites entered Canaan. Deuteronomy 4:43 names the three eastern cities: Bezer, Ramoth in Gilead, and Golan in Bashan. The remaining three (Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron) were established later on the west side of the Jordan, as recorded in [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7-8 - The Six Cities Named"). These cities were chosen for their strategic locations, ensuring they were easily accessible from all parts of the land, with clear roads leading to them. They were also Levitical cities, ensuring that those who administered justice and taught God's law were present within them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:43, by naming the Cities of Refuge, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the manslayer fled to a designated city for safety from the avenger of blood, so too does humanity, guilty of sin (whether intentional or unintentional in its full implications), find its only true sanctuary in Christ. He is not merely a temporary shelter but the eternal "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross provides a perfect, permanent asylum from the just wrath of God against sin. The author of Hebrews beautifully articulates this, describing how those who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before them have "a strong consolation" [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Hope in Christ Our Anchor"). Furthermore, Christ fulfills both the role of the "avenger of blood" (as the righteous judge who will execute justice) and the "refuge" (as the merciful Savior who offers grace). Through His finished work, He provides a place where the condemned can find forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life, a far greater and more perfect sanctuary than any city of stone.

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

Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 21:27

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the [other] half tribe of Manasseh [they gave] Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

Joshua 21:38

And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:71

Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

1 Chronicles 6:80

And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

1 Kings 22:3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

1 Kings 22:4

And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I [am] as thou [art], my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.