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Deuteronomy 19

World English Bible

WEB

1When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations whose land Yahweh your God gives you, and you succeed them and dwell in their cities and in their houses, 2you shall set apart three cities for yourselves in the middle of your land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess. 3You shall prepare the way, and divide the borders of your land which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit into three parts, that every man slayer may flee there. 4This is the case of the man slayer who shall flee there and live: Whoever kills his neighbor unintentionally, and didn’t hate him in time past— 5as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to chop wood and his hand swings the ax to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and hits his neighbor so that he dies—he shall flee to one of these cities and live. 6Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the man slayer while hot anger is in his heart and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him mortally, even though he was not worthy of death, because he didn’t hate him in time past. 7Therefore I command you to set apart three cities for yourselves. 8If Yahweh your God enlarges your border, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives you all the land which he promised to give to your fathers; 9and if you keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you today, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways, then you shall add three cities more for yourselves, in addition to these three. 10This is so that innocent blood will not be shed in the middle of your land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, leaving blood guilt on you. 11But if any man hates his neighbor, lies in wait for him, rises up against him, strikes him mortally so that he dies, and he flees into one of these cities; 12then the elders of his city shall send and bring him there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. 13Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the innocent blood from Israel that it may go well with you. 14You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God gives you to possess. 15One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. 16If an unrighteous witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, 17then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days; 18and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother, 19then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you. 20Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you. 21Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Deuteronomy Chapter 19 provides essential guidelines for justice and the protection of the innocent within the community of Israel. The chapter begins by establishing cities of refuge, which are designated places where individuals who accidentally commit manslaughter can flee to avoid revenge from the victim's family. This provision reflects God's mercy and the importance of distinguishing between intentional murder and unintentional killing, as seen in verses 1-10. The cities of refuge serve as a sanctuary, emphasizing the principle of justice tempered with compassion, allowing for a fair trial and protection for the accused. The cities mentioned include #Kedesh, #Shechem, and #Hebron, among others, highlighting God's concern for the well-being of His people.

The chapter continues with instructions regarding witnesses in legal cases, stressing the necessity of having at least two or three witnesses to establish a matter (verse 15). This principle underscores the importance of truth and integrity in the judicial process, as false testimony is condemned and punishable (verses 16-21). The chapter concludes with a reminder that justice must prevail, and the community is called to uphold righteousness, ensuring that the innocent are protected and the guilty are held accountable. Overall, Deuteronomy 19 emphasizes God's desire for a just society where mercy and truth coexist, reflecting His character and the moral standards He sets for His people.

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Referenced by

  1. Numbers 5:31v15Numbers 5:31 concludes the law of jealousy, emphasizing the need for justice, which is supported by Deuteronomy 19:15's requirement for multiple witnesses to establish a matter.
  2. Numbers 35:12v4Numbers 35:12 discusses the purpose of the cities of refuge as a place of protection from the avenger of blood, which is elaborated in Deuteronomy 19:4-6, explaining the conditions under which someone may flee to these cities.
  3. Joshua 20:3v4Joshua 20:3 describes the purpose of the cities of refuge for those who kill unintentionally, echoing the instructions given in Deuteronomy 19:4-6 about protecting the innocent from the avenger of blood.
  4. 2 Samuel 4:12v13In 2 Samuel 4:12, David orders the execution of Rechab and Baanah for their crime, aligning with Deuteronomy 19:13, which commands the purging of innocent blood from Israel to maintain justice.
  5. Hosea 5:10v14Hosea 5:10 accuses the leaders of Judah of moving boundary stones, a direct violation of the law given in Deuteronomy 19:14, symbolizing their disregard for God's commandments.
  6. 2 Corinthians 13:1v152 Corinthians 13:1 references the principle of establishing a matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses, as originally stated in Deuteronomy 19:15, emphasizing the importance of corroborated testimony in both legal and spiritual matters.
  7. 1 Timothy 5:19v151 Timothy 5:19 advises not to entertain accusations against an elder without two or three witnesses, reflecting the legal principle in Deuteronomy 19:15.

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