Deuteronomy 19:7-10

7 This is why I command you to set aside for yourselves three cities.
8 If the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your ancestors, and gives you the whole land he promised them,
9 because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today—to love the LORD your God and to walk always in obedience to him—then you are to set aside three more cities.
10 Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

Deuteronomy 19:7-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 19

This chapter contains an order to separate three cities of refuge in the land of Canaan, for such that killed a man unawares to flee to, of which those who were guilty of murder purposely were to have no benefit, De 19:1-13, a law is given against removing landmarks, De 19:14, and others concerning witnesses, that they should be more than one; be two, or three, De 19:15, and that a false witness, on conviction, should be punished, De 19:16-21.

Cross References 5

  • 1. S Exodus 34:24
  • 2. S Genesis 15:8; S Deuteronomy 11:24
  • 3. Deuteronomy 6:5; Joshua 20:7-8
  • 4. Proverbs 6:17; Jeremiah 7:6; Jeremiah 26:15
  • 5. Numbers 35:33; Deuteronomy 21:1-9
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