Deuteronomy 19
BSB1 When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, 2 then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. 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. 4 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: 5 If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. 6 Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. 7 This is why I am commanding you to set apart for yourselves three cities. 8 And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised them, 9 and if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you today, loving the LORD your God and walking in His ways at all times, then you are to add three more cities to these three. 10 Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. 11 If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, 12 the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. 13 You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. 14 You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. 15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 16 If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, 17 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. 18 The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, 19 you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you. 20 Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you. 21 You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Deuteronomy 19
- Themes from Deuteronomy 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 19
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 19 begins by outlining the procedure for designating cities of refuge, where those who have unintentionally taken a life can flee for safety. The chapter then addresses the issue of false witnesses and the importance of testimony in capital cases. It also discusses the concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime. Additionally, the chapter provides guidelines for handling boundary disputes and emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:4-6 and Deuteronomy 19:15-21.
Context for the Chapter
Deuteronomy chapter 19 is part of the larger context of the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons given by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter fits into the section of the book that deals with the administration of justice and the protection of human life. The principles outlined in this chapter are rooted in the character and values of God, as revealed in the Old Testament, and are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament references to justice and redemption, such as Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Deuteronomy chapter 19, we are reminded of the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life. We are called to value the lives of others and to seek justice in a way that reflects God's character. This may involve advocating for the rights of the marginalized, supporting organizations that work to protect human life, or simply treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:14.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Deuteronomy chapter 19 is about how the Israelites should handle crimes and punish people who do wrong. It emphasizes the importance of protecting human life and upholding justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:4-6. The chapter also talks about the need for multiple witnesses to establish guilt or innocence, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15. This reminds us that God values human life and wants us to treat others with kindness and respect.
Voices from the Church
“The law of God is not a mere code of rules, but a transcript of His own character, and it is only as we see the law in the light of the divine character that we can truly understand its meaning and importance.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The principle of restitution, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:21, is a reminder that God is a God of justice and that He demands that we uphold justice in our dealings with others.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Designation of Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-10) — The chapter begins by outlining the procedure for designating cities of refuge, where those who have unintentionally taken a life can flee for safety.
- The Importance of Testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15-19) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of testimony in establishing guilt or innocence, highlighting the requirement of two or three witnesses.
- The Principle of Restitution (Deuteronomy 19:21) — The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth emphasizes that punishment should fit the crime.
- Boundary Disputes (Deuteronomy 19:14) — The chapter provides guidelines for handling boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life.
- Conclusion (Deuteronomy 19:20) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life, reflecting God's character and values.
Core Doctrines
- The Value of Human Life
- Deuteronomy chapter 19 emphasizes the importance of protecting human life, reflecting God's value on human life and His desire to protect the innocent.
- The Importance of Justice
- The chapter highlights the importance of upholding justice, emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime and that the innocent should be protected.
- The Principle of Restitution
- The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth emphasizes that punishment should fit the crime, reflecting God's character and values.
- The Importance of Testimony
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of testimony in establishing guilt or innocence, highlighting the requirement of two or three witnesses.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 19
- The Importance of Protecting Human Life — Deuteronomy chapter 19 teaches us that God values human life and desires that we protect the innocent.
- The Importance of Upholding Justice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, highlighting the need for punishment to fit the crime.
- The Significance of Testimony — The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence emphasizes the importance of testimony in upholding justice.
- The Principle of Restitution — The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth reflects God's character and values, emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime.
- The Importance of Boundaries — The chapter provides guidelines for handling boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life.
Themes from Deuteronomy 19
- Justice — Deuteronomy chapter 19 emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, highlighting the need for punishment to fit the crime.
- Protection of Human Life — The chapter teaches us that God values human life and desires that we protect the innocent.
- Testimony — The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence emphasizes the importance of testimony in upholding justice.
- Restitution — The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth reflects God's character and values, emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime.
- Boundaries — The chapter provides guidelines for handling boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Deuteronomy chapter 19 teach us about the value of human life?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of justice?
- What is the significance of the requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence?
- How does the principle of restitution reflect God's character and values?
- What are some ways that we can apply the principles of Deuteronomy chapter 19 in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Designation of Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-10)
| 19:1 | The chapter begins by outlining the procedure for designating cities of refuge, where those who have unintentionally taken a life can flee for safety. |
| 19:2 | The Israelites are instructed to designate three cities of refuge, one on each side of the Jordan River. |
| 19:3 | The roads to these cities are to be prepared and maintained, so that those who need to flee can do so easily. |
| 19:4 | The chapter then explains the rules for those who flee to these cities, including the requirement that they remain there until the death of the high priest. |
| 19:5 | The chapter also provides examples of situations in which someone might flee to a city of refuge, such as in cases of accidental manslaughter. |
| 19:6 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of protecting the innocent and upholding justice. |
| 19:7 | The Israelites are instructed to designate three cities of refuge, and to prepare and maintain the roads to these cities. |
| 19:8 | The chapter then explains the rules for those who flee to these cities, including the requirement that they remain there until the death of the high priest. |
| 19:9 | The chapter also provides examples of situations in which someone might flee to a city of refuge, such as in cases of accidental manslaughter. |
| 19:10 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of protecting the innocent and upholding justice. |
2. The Importance of Testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15-19)
| 19:15 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of testimony in establishing guilt or innocence, highlighting the requirement of two or three witnesses. |
| 19:16 | The chapter warns against the dangers of false testimony, highlighting the consequences for those who bear false witness. |
| 19:17 | The chapter then explains the procedure for handling cases of false testimony, including the requirement that the false witness be punished. |
| 19:18 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and protecting the innocent. |
| 19:19 | The chapter concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of testimony in establishing guilt or innocence. |
3. The Principle of Restitution (Deuteronomy 19:21)
| 19:21 | The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth emphasizes that punishment should fit the crime, reflecting God's character and values. |
4. Boundary Disputes (Deuteronomy 19:14)
| 19:14 | The chapter provides guidelines for handling boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life. |
5. Conclusion (Deuteronomy 19:20)
| 19:20 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting human life, reflecting God's character and values. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the cities of refuge in Deuteronomy chapter 19?
The cities of refuge provide a safe haven for those who have unintentionally taken a life, emphasizing God's value on human life and His desire to protect the innocent, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:1-10.
Why is testimony important in establishing guilt or innocence?
The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence emphasizes the importance of testimony in upholding justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15-19.
What is the principle of restitution, and how does it reflect God's character and values?
The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth emphasizes that punishment should fit the crime, reflecting God's character and values, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:21.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 19:1 → Numbers 35:10-34 | The concept of cities of refuge is also discussed in Numbers 35:10-34, where the Israelites are instructed to designate six cities of refuge. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:15 → Matthew 18:16 | The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence is also mentioned in Matthew 18:16, where Jesus teaches about the importance of testimony in settling disputes. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 19:21 → Leviticus 24:20 | The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is also discussed in Leviticus 24:20, where the Israelites are instructed to punish those who commit crimes in a way that fits the crime. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 19:1 → Joshua 20:1-9 | The cities of refuge are also mentioned in Joshua 20:1-9, where the Israelites designate the cities of refuge after entering the Promised Land. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 19:15 → 2 Corinthians 13:1 | The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul teaches about the importance of testimony in establishing the truth. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 19:21 → Exodus 21:24 | The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is also discussed in Exodus 21:24, where the Israelites are instructed to punish those who commit crimes in a way that fits the crime. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 19:1 → Hebrews 6:18 | The concept of refuge is also discussed in Hebrews 6:18, where the author teaches about the hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate refuge. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 19:15 → 1 Timothy 5:19 | The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence is also mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:19, where Paul teaches about the importance of testimony in handling accusations against church leaders. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 19:21 → Romans 12:19 | The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is also discussed in Romans 12:19, where Paul teaches about the importance of leaving vengeance to God. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 19:1 → Psalm 91:1-2 | The concept of refuge is also discussed in Psalm 91:1-2, where the psalmist teaches about the hope that believers have in God, who is our ultimate refuge. |
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 17-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses is giving his final instructions to the children of Israel before his death. He emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices that are valuable and not cas |
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The Tabernacle #2: The Holy Place by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the cross in our approach to God. The cross is not only the means by which our sins are forgiven, but it also removes our o |
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Bristol Conference 1975-02 1 Timothy - Chapter 1: by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting various biblical events where God gave instructions or commands. He mentions how God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and how |
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41 - Preparation Questions for North Korea Opening by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the importance of preparing for the opening of North Korea through the Prepared People Organization. He emphasizes the need to understand the d |
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Two Witnesses by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Simeon and Anna in the Bible and their encounter with baby Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking Christ into o |
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Why Go to Church? 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible systematically rather than relying on chance or selective reading. He warns against using a promise box t |
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Suffering Love: The Doctrine of Nonresistance and Conscientious Objection to War by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the issue of human trafficking and challenges the congregation, especially the young people, to take action through prayer. They em |
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The Message of Deuteronomy by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes in 'The Message of Deuteronomy' that God's love for humanity is the foundation of His governance, while man's love for God is the driving force behind |
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The Sixth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink expounds on the Sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' emphasizing that it not only forbids murder but also the underlying emotions such as anger and hatred that can l |
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The Book of Mormon by Marvin Cowan | Marvin Cowan discusses the claims surrounding the Book of Mormon, emphasizing that while it is presented as a second witness to the Bible, it lacks the historical and doctrinal con |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 19
In Deuteronomy chapter 19, we see the importance of protecting human life and upholding justice. The designation of cities of refuge provides a safe haven for those who have unintentionally taken a life, emphasizing God's value on human life and His desire to protect the innocent. The requirement of two or three witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence highlights the importance of testimony in upholding justice. The principle of restitution, as seen in the concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, reflects God's character and values. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us that God is a God of justice and that He demands that we uphold justice in our dealings with others. We are reminded that God values human life and desires that we protect the innocent, and that we should seek to uphold justice in a way that reflects God's character and values, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:4-6 and Deuteronomy 19:15-21. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Human Life
The chapter emphasizes the value God places on human life, as seen in the provision of cities of refuge and the guidelines for handling capital cases. This is evident in Deuteronomy 19:4-6, where the Israelites are instructed to protect the innocent.
The Dangers of False Testimony
The chapter warns against the dangers of false witnesses, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in the pursuit of justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:16-19.
The Principle of Restitution
The concept of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth emphasizes that punishment should fit the crime, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:21.