Bible Commentaries

Deuteronomy 19:1-13. Of the cities of refuge.

Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land — Goelism, or the duty of the nearest kinsmen to avenge the death of a slaughtered relative, being the customary law of that age (as it still is among the Arabs and other people of the East), Moses incorporated it in an improved form with his legislative code. For the protection of the unintentional homicide, he provided certain cities of refuge - three had been destined for this purpose on the east of Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:41; Numbers 35:11); three were to be invested with the same privilege on the west of that river when Canaan should be conquered.

in the midst of thy land — in such a position that they would be conspicuous and accessible, and equidistant from the extremities of the land and from each other.

into three parts — the whole extent of the country from the south to the north. The three cities on each side of Jordan were opposite to each other, “as two rows of vines in a vineyard” (see on Joshua 20:7).

Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot — This verse is a continuation of Deuteronomy 19:3 (for Deuteronomy 19:4, Deuteronomy 19:5, which are explanatory, are in a parenthetical form), and the meaning is that if the kinsman of a person inadvertently killed should, under the impulse of sudden excitement and without inquiring into the circumstances, inflict summary vengeance on the homicide, however guiltless, the law tolerated such an act; it was to pass with impunity. But to prevent such precipitate measures, the cities of refuge were established for the reception of the homicide, that “innocent blood might not be shed in thy land” (Deuteronomy 19:10). In the case of premeditated murder (Deuteronomy 19:11, Deuteronomy 19:12), they afforded no immunity; but, if it were only manslaughter, the moment the fugitive was within the gates, he found himself in a safe asylum (Numbers 35:26-28; Joshua 20:6).

And if the Lord thy God enlarge thy coast — Three additional sanctuaries were to be established in the event of their territory extending over the country from Hermon and Gilead to the Euphrates (see Genesis 15:18; Exodus 23:31). But it was obscurely hinted that this last provision would never be carried into effect, as the Israelites would not fulfil the conditions, namely, “that of keeping the commandments, to love the Lord, and walk ever in his ways.” In point of fact, although that region was brought into subjection by David and Solomon, we do not find that cities of refuge were established; because those sovereigns only made the ancient inhabitants tributary, instead of sending a colony of Israelites to possess it. The privilege of sanctuary cities, however, was given only for Israelites; and besides, that conquered territory did not remain long under the power of the Hebrew kings.

Deuteronomy 19:14. The landmark is not to be removed.

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour‘s landmark, which they of old have set in thine inheritance — The state of Palestine in regard to enclosures is very much the same now as it has always been. Though gardens and vineyards are surrounded by dry-stone walls or hedges of prickly pear, the boundaries of arable fields are marked by nothing but by a little trench, a small cairn, or a single erect stone, placed at certain intervals. It is manifest that a dishonest person could easily fill the gutter with earth, or remove these stones a few feet without much risk of detection and so enlarge his own field by a stealthy encroachment on his neighbor‘s. This law, then, was made to prevent such trespasses.

Deuteronomy 19:15. Two witnesses required.

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity — The following rules to regulate the admission of testimony in public courts are founded on the principles of natural justice. A single witness shall not be admitted to the condemnation of an accused person.

Deuteronomy 19:16-21. Punishment of a false witness.

But if convicted of perjury, it will be sufficient for his own condemnation, and his punishment shall be exactly the same as would have overtaken the object of his malignant prosecution. (See on Exodus 21:23; see also Leviticus 24:20).