Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryDeuteronomy 19

When. See ch. 12:29. Dwellest. The matters to be discussed would apply particularly to the situation in Palestine itself, once Israel had settled within the land of God’s choice. What follows applies to a settled order of social life (see ch. 6:10). Separate three cities. God had previously so commanded Moses (Num. 35:14, 15). The three on the west side of Jordan were appointed by Joshua after the conquest (Joshua 20). The three on the east of Jordan had already been designated by Moses, namely, Bezer, Ramoth Gilead, and Golan (Deut. 4:41–43). In the midst. Not in the precise geographical center, but distributed so as to make them accessible to all who needed them. The cities of refuge point fearful hearts to security in Jesus Christ.

A way. Literally, “the way,” that is, “the road.” Access to the cities of refuge was to be made easy. The road was to be clearly marked and kept in good repair (PP 515), for men’s lives were at stake. Thus it should be with the “way” to our refuge in Jesus Christ—so plain that none need err therein (see Isa. 35:8). The coasts. That is, “the area” (RSV). Each city of refuge would then serve as the convenient center for the district in which it was situated, and no place would be unduly remote from a city of refuge. Equal arrangements were to be made for all parts of the country. Flee thither. The devout Christian will certainly think of the sinner’s privilege of fleeing to Christ. As the gates of the cities of refuge were never to be closed to one who sought entrance, so Christ never refuses one who comes to Him contrite and repentant (Ps. 51:17; Isa. 57:15).

Ignorantly. That is, “unintentionally,” literally, “without knowledge” (Deut. 4:42; Joshua 20:3, 5). Hated not. The man responsible had acted unintentionally (see Num. 35:23). To require the life of such an unintentional slayer would be to shed innocent blood.

The wood. Probably hillside thickets. According to Egyptian records Canaan was heavily wooded during patriarchal times. This is a case of unpremeditated homicide (see Num. 35:22). The man was engaged in a lawful pursuit, and the death of his companion was altogether accidental. Fetcheth a stroke. “Swings the axe” (RSV).

The helve. Some think this means that the ax flew off from the tree, since the word for tree is the same as the one here translated “helve.” But it is perhaps better to understand it as given in the KJV, that the axhead flew off the handle as the man was in the process of cutting down a tree. Live. Compare Joshua 20:1–4 for additional details. This is a vivid symbolic word picture of the security the sinner may find in Christ Jesus. The bloodstained person is cleansed in Jesus (1 John 1:7). There is “no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1); for, “being justified by faith,” they have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

The avenger. From the same word translated “kinsman” (see on Ruth 2:20), and “redeemer” (Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35; Isa. 41:14; 43:14; 54:5). The way is long. The same concern over the length and inconvenience of the road had been shown by God in relation to duties at the central altar (chs. 12:21; 14:24).

Wherefore. It was to prevent an unfortunate situation like that mentioned in the previous verses that the three cities were established in different parts of the country.

Enlarge. See Gen. 15:18; Ex. 23:31; Deut. 1:7.

If thou shalt keep. The fulfillment of the promises of enlargement was dependent on obedience (ch. 11:22–24). Compare the promise made to Abraham (Gen. 15:18). Three cities more. That would be nine in all, as three on each side of the Jordan had already been stipulated (v. 2; ch. 4:41–43). There is, however, no record of theadditional three ever having been designated in the afterhistory of the nation.

Innocent. Compare Deut. 21:8; Jer. 7:6. The word thus translated is from a verb root meaning “to be clean,” “to be free.” Inherent in it is the idea of being free from obligations resulting from guilt. Blood be upon thee. Compare 2 Sam. 16:8; Hosea 12:14. The innocent blood upon them would be that of the manslayer who had killed a man accidentally, and then could not find a place of refuge before he himself was slain.

Hate his neighbour. For details see Num. 35:16–24. Hatred in the heart of man causes him to “lie in wait,” then “rise up” at the opportune moment, and “smite … mortally” his neighbor whom he detests (see Ex. 21:14).

The elders. Those properly appointed and authorized were to act in this important matter. Compare ch. 21:2, 4, 6, 19, for examples of elders legally appointed. For elders of these cities see Joshua 20:1–6. Deliver him. If found guilty of premeditated murder he was to be handed over to the avenger of blood; otherwise, he was to receive protection (Num. 35:12, 24, 25).

Not pity. See on v. 21. Put away. Literally, “consume” or “burn away,” indicating complete removal.

Not remove. Literally, “move back,” that is, so as to enlarge one’s own piece of property, and leave one’s neighbor correspondingly less. From ancient times landmarks were considered inviolate. A curse was pronounced on the one who surreptitiously moved them (Deut. 27:17; see also Job 24:2; Prov. 22:28; 23:10; Hosea 5:10). They of old time. Or, “the former ones.” Not referring to generations of past time reaching into antiquity, but to those who originally divided the land and marked out the boundaries.

One witness. A man could not be condemned on the testimony of one witness, in either a civil or a criminal charge (cf. Deut. 17:6; Num. 35:30).

False witness. A false witness was to be punished (v. 19).

Before the Lord. A difficult case could be brought to a higher court at the door of the sanctuary of the Lord, where the parties would be in the presence of Jehovah (ch. 17:8–12).

False witness. Perjury is a most heinous crime, yet many do not hesitate to lie even under oath. One who thus publicly violates truth sins against himself, his enemy, and God.

As he had thought. A false witness would have to suffer the penalty he thought to inflict upon the accused (see Deut. 19:21; cf. Ex. 23:1; Ps. 35:11). This is the law of just retribution.

Commit no more. This law was bound to restrain selfishness and tended to bring in a higher sense of public duty and morality (see chs. 13:11; 17:13).

Not pity. This advice is spoken to the judges, lest they be tempted to be more lenient than strict justice required. Life shall go. For further details, see Ex. 21:23–25; Lev. 24:19, 20. A conspiracy to give false testimony and thereby bring an innocent man into jeopardy is unforgivable, for it represents potential murder in the heart of the false witness (see Matt. 5:22). The pit that he dug for his innocent neighbor was to be his own grave.