Deuteronomy 19:3

You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities.

Study Bible

You are to build roads
In Deuteronomy 19:3, the instruction to "build roads" is both practical and symbolic. The Hebrew root for "build" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which implies constructing or establishing something with care and purpose. Roads in ancient Israel were vital for communication, trade, and travel. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to prepare paths for justice and mercy, ensuring accessibility and fairness in the community. The roads symbolize the way to refuge, reflecting God's provision and care for His people.

for yourselves
The phrase "for yourselves" emphasizes personal responsibility and communal involvement. The Hebrew word "לָכֶם" (lachem) indicates that the Israelites were to take ownership of this task. It underscores the importance of community action in creating a society that reflects God's laws and values. This collective effort ensures that the cities of refuge are accessible to all, highlighting the communal nature of justice and mercy.

in the land
The term "in the land" refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God gave to the Israelites. The Hebrew word "בָּאָרֶץ" (ba'aretz) signifies not just a physical location but a divine inheritance. This land was a gift from God, a place where His laws were to be lived out. The establishment of roads in this land signifies the integration of divine justice into the daily life of the Israelites, ensuring that God's commandments are woven into the fabric of their society.

the LORD your God is giving you
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the land. The Hebrew name for God here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. The land is a gift, a testament to God's promises and His relationship with Israel. This divine gift comes with responsibilities, including the establishment of justice and mercy, as symbolized by the roads to the cities of refuge.

to inherit
The word "to inherit" comes from the Hebrew "לָרֶשֶׁת" (lareshet), which means to possess or take possession of. This inheritance is not merely a legal transaction but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. It implies a stewardship, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws and maintain the land as a place of righteousness and justice.

so that any manslayer
The term "manslayer" refers to someone who has killed another unintentionally. The Hebrew word "רֹצֵחַ" (rotzeach) distinguishes between premeditated murder and accidental killing. This distinction is crucial in biblical law, reflecting God's justice and mercy. The provision for the manslayer underscores the importance of intent and the need for a fair trial, ensuring that justice is tempered with compassion.

may flee to these cities
The phrase "may flee to these cities" indicates the purpose of the cities of refuge. The Hebrew verb "יָנוּס" (yanus) means to flee or escape, highlighting the urgency and necessity of protection for the manslayer. These cities were strategically located and accessible, ensuring that those in need of refuge could reach them quickly. This provision reflects God's mercy and the value He places on life, even in cases of accidental death.

and find protection
The concept of "protection" is central to the cities of refuge. The Hebrew word "וָחָי" (vachai) means to live or have life, indicating that the cities offer not just physical safety but a chance for continued life. This protection is a manifestation of God's justice, providing a safe haven where the accused can await a fair trial. It underscores the biblical principle that life is sacred and that God's justice always includes mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the laws and preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is giving the land as an inheritance and establishing laws for justice and mercy.

4. Cities of Refuge
Designated cities where someone who has accidentally killed another person can flee for safety and await a fair trial.

5. The Promised Land
The land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites are about to enter and possess.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for Justice and Mercy
The cities of refuge illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a way for the innocent to be protected while awaiting trial.

Preparation and Responsibility
The command to build roads and divide the land shows the importance of preparation and responsibility in ensuring justice is accessible to all.

Community and Safety
The establishment of these cities emphasizes the role of community in protecting individuals and maintaining societal order.

Spiritual Refuge in Christ
Just as the cities provided physical refuge, Christ offers spiritual refuge and salvation for those who seek Him.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in setting up these cities reflects our call to obey God's commands in our lives, ensuring His principles of justice and mercy are upheld.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the cities of refuge reflect God's character of justice and mercy, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we prepare and take responsibility to ensure justice and safety in our communities today?

3. How does the concept of refuge in the Old Testament connect to the spiritual refuge we find in Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can be a "city of refuge" for others in our church or community?

5. How does the establishment of the cities of refuge demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can we apply this in our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35
Provides detailed instructions about the cities of refuge, including their purpose and the rules governing them.

Joshua 20
Describes the actual establishment of the cities of refuge once the Israelites are in the Promised Land.

Hebrews 6
Discusses the concept of refuge in a spiritual sense, relating it to the hope we have in Christ.

Psalm 46
Speaks of God as our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, which parallels the physical refuge provided by these cities.