Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 19

Verses 1-21

15. Laws for Israel in the Land

CHAPTER 19

1. Concerning the cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-13 )

2. Removing a landmark (Deuteronomy 19:14 )

3. The punishment of a false witness (Deuteronomy 19:15-21 )

Here again we have not a repetition of the previous law concerning the cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-34 ), but an earnest admonition to be obedient to those laws. The three cities on the east of Jordan were named in chapter 4. Here the other three in the midst of the land are in view. They were to be in a place of easy access with a prepared way leading to them. Grace and judgment are illustrated in the case of the slayer, who killed his neighbor ignorantly and he who killed his neighbor purposely. When the slayer reached the city he found a shelter there and lived, for he had done it ignorantly. Grace gave him shelter and he knew he was safe. For the wilful murderer there was no mercy, but judgment. “Thine eyes shall not pity him.” Obedience was demanded in all these utterances of Moses.