Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Introduction

Three cities of refuge to be appointed in the midst of the promised land; the land being divided into three parts, a city is to be placed in each, a proper way to which is to be prepared, Deu 19:1-3. In what cases of manslaughter the benefit of those cities may be claimed, Deu 19:4-6. Three cities more to be added should the Lord enlarge their coasts, and the reasons why, Deu 19:7-10. The intentional murderer shall have no benefit from these cities, Deu 19:11-13. The landmark is not to be shifted, Deu 19:14. One witness shall not be deemed sufficient to convict a man, Deu 19:15. How a false witness shall be dealt with - he shall bear the punishment which he designed should have been inflicted on his neighbor, Deu 19:16-20. Another command to establish the lex talionis, Deu 19:21.