Deuteronomy 19:1
Deuteronomy 19:1 in Multiple Translations
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,
When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
When Jehovah thy God shall cut off the nations, whose land Jehovah thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
When the nations, whose land the Lord your God is giving you, have been cut off by him, and you have taken their place and are living in their towns and in their houses;
After the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he's giving you, and after you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses,
When the Lord thy God shall roote out the nations, whose lande the Lord thy God giueth thee, and thou shalt possesse them, and dwell in their cities, and in their houses,
'When Jehovah thy God doth cut off the nations, whose land Jehovah thy God is giving to thee, and thou hast succeeded them, and dwelt in their cities, and in their houses,
When the LORD your God cuts off the nations whose land the LORD your God gives you, and you succeed them and dwell in their cities and in their houses,
When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;
When the Lord thy God hath destroyed the nations, whose land he will deliver to thee, and thou shalt possess it, and shalt dwell in the cities and houses thereof:
After Yahweh our God has gotten rid of the people-groups from the land that he is giving to you, and after you have expelled them from their cities and you start to live in their houses,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 19:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יַכְרִ֞ית
יְהוָ֤ה
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
אֶת
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
אֲשֶׁר֙
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
נֹתֵ֥ן
לְ/ךָ֖
אֶת
אַרְצָ֑/ם
וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֕/ם
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֥
בְ/עָרֵי/הֶ֖ם
וּ/בְ/בָתֵּי/הֶֽם
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַכְרִ֞ית
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַרְצָ֑/ם
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֕/ם
yârash
H3423
to possess
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֥
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בְ/עָרֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וּ/בְ/בָתֵּי/הֶֽם
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:1
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַכְרִ֞ית
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַרְצָ֑/ם
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֕/ם
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
וְ/יָשַׁבְתָּ֥
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְ/עָרֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וּ/בְ/בָתֵּי/הֶֽם
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 19:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:1
Context — Cities of Refuge
1When 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,
2then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. 3You 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:29 | When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 6:10 | And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 7:1–2 | When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 17:14 | When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 12:1 | These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess. |
Deuteronomy 19:1 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 19:1, is talking about how God will help the Israelites take over the land that He has promised to them, just like He said in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4. It's like God is saying, 'I will take care of the nations that are currently living in the land, and then you can move in and make it your home.' This is a reminder that God is in control and will provide for His people, as seen in Psalm 37:9 and Matthew 5:5. As we reflect on this verse, we can think about how God is working in our own lives to provide for us and give us an inheritance, just like He did for the Israelites, as promised in Ephesians 1:3 and Colossians 1:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'cut off' the nations in Deuteronomy 19:1?
This phrase means that God will completely destroy or remove these nations from the land, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:23, making way for the Israelites to possess it, as promised in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4.
Why were the Israelites allowed to settle in the cities and houses of the defeated nations?
The Israelites were allowed to settle in these cities and houses because God had given them the land as an inheritance, as stated in Deuteronomy 19:1, and they were to make it their own, as seen in Joshua 1:3, just as God had promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and judgment?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty and judgment, as He is the one who 'cuts off' the nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:1, and gives the land to the Israelites, highlighting His power and authority, as stated in Psalm 135:6 and Isaiah 46:10.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of receiving the Promised Land?
We can learn that God is faithful to His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:1 and Joshua 21:43-45, and that He provides for His people, giving them an inheritance, as stated in Psalm 37:9 and Matthew 5:5, and that we should trust in His sovereignty and provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my own life, just as the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 19:1?
- How can I apply the concept of God's judgment and sovereignty to my own circumstances, as seen in Psalm 119:75 and Romans 11:22?
- What are some ways that I can 'settle' into the promises and inheritance that God has given me, as seen in Ephesians 1:3 and Colossians 1:12?
- How can I balance the idea of receiving an inheritance from God with the responsibility to steward it well, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:1
When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee,.... The seven nations of the land of Canaan, whose destruction was of the Lord for their sins, and whose land
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:1
When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses; No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
Deuteronomy 19:1-13. THE CITIES OF REFUGE.(See for more on this subject, Numbers 35:9, &c.; Joshua 20) (1) When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations.—We find that the three cities of refuge on the west of Jordan were appointed by Joshua after the conquest (Joshua 20). The first three on the east of Jordan, namely, Bezer, Ramoth-Gilead, and Golan, had already been selected by Moses (Deuteronomy 4:41, &c), but Joshua assigned them to their Levitical possessors. (3) Thou shalt prepare thee a way.—Upon this phrase Rashi remarks (from the Talmud) that “Miklot! Miklot (‘Refuge! Refuge!’) was written up at the parting of the ways.” Divide the coasts of thy land . . . into three parts.—So that no part of the country might be too far from any of the cities of refuge. (5) As when a man goeth into the wood.—An obvious instance. (6) The avenger of the blood.—Literally, the redeemer of the blood. The Hebrew, gooël stands for all the three words, “redeemer,” “avenger,” “kinsman.” (8, 9) if the Lord thy God enlarge thy coast . . . thou shalt add three cities—i.e., thou shalt add three to the six, making nine in all. There is no trace of this ever having been done in the history of Israel.
The comments of Jewish writers show that nothing is known of the fact in their literature. Some of them point out that only seven nations were assigned to thehost of Joshua, and that the land occupied by these seven could not have needed more than the six cities. They lay stress upon the words “If He give thee all the land which He promised to give thy fathers” (not merely the seven nations promised to thee). They refer to the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites in particular, as three nations promised to Abraham. It would have been more to the purpose if they had referred to the Hittites. The cities of this people, as recently discovered, from Kedesh on the Orontes to Carchemish, lie to the north of the known territory of Israel. If “all the laud of the Hittites” (Joshua 1:4) had been conquered, the three additional cities might have been required. But though this land seems to have been tributary to Solomon, it was not so occupied by Israel as to necessitate the appointment of three additional cities of refuge. And Solomon’s empire lasted only for his own reign. But without going back to these details, they also take the promise as prophetical; holding that when the Lord has “circumcised their heart” (Deuteronomy 30:6), “to love the Lord,” and given them “one heart and one way to fear Him for ever, and shall make an everlasting covenant with them, and put His fear in their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:39-40) that they shall not depart from Him,” then the promises will be fulfilled.
All the land will be given to them, and they will need these other cities. One writer adds, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and shall attain to it,” from Daniel 12:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
CHAPTER XIX 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, 1-3. In what cases of manslaughter the benefit of those cities may be claimed, 4-6. Three cities more to be added should the Lord enlarge their coasts, and the reasons why, 7-10. The intentional murderer shall have no benefit from these cities, 11-13. The landmark is not to be shifted, 14. One witness shall not be deemed sufficient to convict a man, 15. How a false witness shall be dealt with-he shall bear the punishment which he designed should have been inflicted on his neighbour, 16-20. Another command to establish the lex talionis, 21. NOTES ON CHAP. XIX
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:1
1–3 contain several formulas. On shall cut off, etc., see Deuteronomy 12:29; on whose land the Lord thy God is to give thee and giveth thee to possess it, see Deuteronomy 18:9; on succeed (dispossess), see Deuteronomy 12:29; on causeth thee to inherit, see Deuteronomy 1:38.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 19:1
This and the next two chapters contain enactments designed to protect human life, and to impress its sanctity on Israel.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:1
IN TO CITIES OF REFUGE, Deuteronomy 19:1-13.Comp. Exodus 21:13, and Numbers 35:9-34; Deuteronomy 4:41. Six cities were to be designated. Moses had already named the three east of the Jordan. Deuteronomy 4:41-43.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:1
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Beware of Lawlessness - Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. warns against the spirit of lawlessness, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's Word and recognizing the subtle ways in which temptation can lead believers |
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Guarding Your Heart by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of guarding the heart as we enter into a new year. He emphasizes the need to be cautious not to forget the Lord in times of pr |
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(Angel of the Lord) 03 - Joshua by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Joshua where Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword. Joshua asks if the man is on their side or the enemy's si |
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Deuteronomy 6:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the perils of the Christian life, emphasizing the dangers of prosperity, adversity, and communication gaps in faith. He warns that prosperity can lead to forg |
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Bless the Lord! or Lest We Forget by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of remembering the Lord amidst blessings, drawing from Deuteronomy 6:10-12 where God warns against forgetting Him after receiving abundant b |
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God's Truth About Alliances by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon series titled "How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?", the speaker addresses the topic of Satan's lies about holiness, separation, and false alliances. Th |
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God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, |