Deuteronomy 19:14

Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:14

Deuteronomy 19:14 issues a clear prohibition against altering established property lines, serving as a foundational command for justice and social order within ancient Israel. It underscores the sanctity of inherited land and the importance of integrity in communal life.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, land was not merely a commodity; it was a divine inheritance, apportioned by God to each tribe and family (as detailed in books like Joshua 13:6). This land provided livelihood, identity, and a connection to God's covenant promises. Property boundaries were marked by physical stones or piles of stones, known as "landmarks." These markers were crucial, as maps or formal surveys were non-existent. To move a neighbour's landmark was a subtle, yet profound, act of theft and fraud. It directly encroached upon another's rightful possession, disrupting the established order and potentially impoverishing a family. The phrase "which they of old time have set" emphasizes the traditional and long-standing nature of these boundaries, often passed down through generations since the initial division of the land.

Key Themes

• Justice and Integrity: The verse is a strong call for honest dealings and ethical conduct within the community. It condemns deceitful practices that would take advantage of a neighbour.
• Property Rights: It establishes and protects the fundamental right to one's inherited property, ensuring that each family could securely possess and benefit from their portion of the land.
• Respect for Established Order: By forbidding the removal of "old time" landmarks, the command encourages respect for tradition, communal agreements, and the divinely ordained structure of society.
• God's Provision: The land is explicitly stated as that "which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it." Violating a landmark was not just an offense against a neighbour, but an affront to God's generous provision and established order for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "landmark" is gevul (גְּבוּל), which literally means "border," "boundary," or "territory." The emphasis is on the fixed, determined nature of these markers, which defined the limits of one's inheritance. The act of "removing" (Hebrew: הַסָּגָה, hassagah) implies displacing or shifting, highlighting the deliberate and often clandestine nature of the transgression.

Related Scriptures

This prohibition is reiterated in other parts of Scripture, underscoring its importance. Proverbs 22:28 states, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Similarly, Proverbs 23:10 warns, "Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless." The severity of this offense is also highlighted in Deuteronomy 27:17, which pronounces a curse upon anyone who moves their neighbour's landmark, linking it directly to God's judgment. This command aligns with the broader principle of "Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15).

Practical Application

While physical landmarks may be less common in modern societies with detailed property deeds, the principle of Deuteronomy 19:14 remains profoundly relevant. It calls believers to:

• Respect Property and Rights: This extends beyond physical land to respecting all forms of ownership—intellectual property, personal space, and the rightful possessions of others.
• Act with Integrity in Business: It condemns any form of fraud, deception, or unfair advantage in financial or commercial dealings, urging honesty in all transactions.
• Uphold Ethical Boundaries: The principle can be applied to respecting professional boundaries, personal reputation, and not encroaching on the legitimate sphere of influence or responsibility of others.
• Value Fair Dealing: It encourages a community where trust and fairness prevail, and where individuals are secure in their possessions and livelihoods, knowing that their rights are protected.

Ultimately, this verse teaches that true prosperity and stability in society come from upholding justice, respecting others, and honoring the established order, which God Himself has ordained.