Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east Then Moses set apartThe phrase "Then Moses set apart" indicates a deliberate and divinely guided action. The Hebrew root for "set apart" is "בָּדַל" (badal), which means to separate or distinguish. This action by Moses is not merely administrative but is deeply spiritual, reflecting God's justice and mercy. In the broader biblical context, setting apart is often associated with holiness and divine purpose, as seen in the consecration of priests and the Sabbath. Moses, as a leader, is executing God's command, demonstrating obedience and the importance of following divine instructions. three cities
The "three cities" refer to the cities of refuge, which were established as part of the Mosaic Law. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The number three signifies completeness and divine order in biblical numerology. Historically, these cities were strategically located to be accessible, emphasizing God's provision for justice and mercy. This reflects the balance between justice and grace, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. across the Jordan
The phrase "across the Jordan" situates the action geographically and symbolically. The Jordan River is a significant boundary in the Bible, representing transition and new beginnings. For the Israelites, crossing the Jordan marked the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. By setting the cities across the Jordan, Moses is preparing for the Israelites' future settlement and ensuring that God's laws are established even before they fully possess the land. This preemptive action underscores the importance of planning and obedience to God's commands. to the east
"To the east" provides further geographical context, indicating the location of these cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River. In biblical symbolism, the east often represents beginnings and origins, as the sun rises in the east. This directionality can also signify anticipation and preparation for what is to come. Historically, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled in this region, and the establishment of cities of refuge here ensured that God's justice system was inclusive and comprehensive, covering all the tribes of Israel. This reflects God's omnipresence and the universality of His laws. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who, under God's guidance, led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this verse, he is responsible for setting aside cities of refuge. 2. Cities of RefugeThese were designated places where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could flee for safety from the avenger of blood until they stood trial. 3. Jordan RiverA significant geographical landmark for the Israelites, representing the boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. 4. East of the JordanThe region where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled. It is significant as the location of the cities of refuge mentioned in this verse. 5. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given laws and commandments to live by, including the establishment of cities of refuge. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge demonstrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a way for the innocent to be protected while awaiting trial. The Importance of ObedienceMoses' obedience in setting aside these cities reflects the importance of following God's commands precisely, even in logistical matters. Spiritual Refuge in ChristJust as the cities provided physical safety, Christ offers spiritual refuge. Believers can find safety and rest in Him from the consequences of sin. Community ResponsibilityThe establishment of these cities highlights the community's role in protecting the innocent and ensuring justice is served. Preparation and PlanningThe foresight in establishing these cities before entering the Promised Land teaches the value of preparation and planning in accordance with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of cities of refuge reflect God's character in terms of justice and mercy? 2. In what ways can we see the principle of refuge applied in our spiritual lives today, particularly in relation to Christ? 3. How does the establishment of cities of refuge demonstrate the importance of community responsibility in ensuring justice? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in setting aside these cities, and how can we apply them in our daily walk with God? 5. How do the cities of refuge connect with the broader biblical theme of God's provision and protection for His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 35This chapter provides detailed instructions about the cities of refuge, explaining their purpose and the laws governing them. Joshua 20This passage describes the actual implementation of the cities of refuge once the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Hebrews 6:18This New Testament verse uses the concept of refuge to illustrate the hope and safety found in God, drawing a spiritual parallel to the cities of refuge. People Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, SihonPlaces Arabah, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Bezer, Egypt, Gilead, Golan, Hermon, Heshbon, Horeb, Jordan River, Mount Sion, Peor, Pisgah, Ramoth, Sea of the Arabah, Valley of the ArnonTopics Across, Apart, Beyond, Cities, East, Jordan, Marked, Separated, Separateth, Severed, Sunrise, Sunrising, Sun-rising, Towards, TownsDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:41-42 5025 killing
5504 rights
6021 sin, nature of
7318 blood, symbol of guilt Deuteronomy 4:41-43 5256 city
5490 refuge
7338 cities of refuge
8307 moderation Deuteronomy 4:41-44 5040 murder Library February the Sixteenth Crowding Out God
"Lest thou forget." --DEUTERONOMY iv. 5-13. That is surely the worst affront we can put upon anybody. We may oppose a man and hinder him in his work, or we may directly injure him, or we may ignore him, and treat him as nothing. Or we may forget him! Opposition, injury, contempt, neglect, forgetfulness! Surely this is a descending scale, and the last is the worst. And yet we can forget the Lord God. We can forget all His benefits. We can easily put Him out of mind. We can live as though He were …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearDeuteronomy
(Third Sunday after Easter.) Deut. iv. 39, 40. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shall keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. Learned men have argued much of late as to who wrote …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege. [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic, citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own, under archons of their choosing, quite independent …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Of the Cities of Refuge.
Hebron, the most eminent among them, excites us to remember the rest. "The Rabbins deliver this; Moses separated three cities of refuge beyond Jordan, [Deut 4:41-43;] and, against them, Joshua separated three cities in the land of Canaan, [Josh 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea against Bezer in the wilderness: Shechem in mount Ephraim against Ramoth in Gilead: Kedesh in mount Napthali against Golan in Basan. And these three …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
The Voice of the Disciple Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto beloved, and friend to feast with friend? For this do I pray, this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul Links Deuteronomy 4:41 NIVDeuteronomy 4:41 NLTDeuteronomy 4:41 ESVDeuteronomy 4:41 NASBDeuteronomy 4:41 KJV
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