Deuteronomy 19.
THE fourth chapter told us of three cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan, to which one who unintentionally killed another might escape; now in this chapter we find God’s appointment of three more cities within the land, or across the Jordan river.
It was the land their God gave them, as each of the first three verses declares. and the tenth likewise, and as we have before noticed, the people were tenants on good behavior, for it was God’s land after all, and it must be kept in a way pleasing to Him.
To kill another, even unintentionally, was no light matter, as we see here. Immediately the unhappy man, who had killed another, knew what he had done, he had to go with all speed to the nearest city of refuge, even though the avenger of blood might be pursuing him.
If we turn to the New Testament, we shall find that there were two classes of people who had part in the death of Christ, —those who did it knowingly, and with hatred to that blessed One who came in lowly grace to a world of sinners; and those who in ignorance were led by the wicked men who wanted to see Him put to death. One of these classes is seen in Matthew 26:3-5; 27:1-4,203Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. 5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. (Matthew 26:3‑5)
1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. (Matthew 27:1‑4)
20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. (Matthew 27:20); and the other is shown in the Lord’s prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:3434Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)): and in Peter’s address to the people in the temple in Acts 3:1717And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:17). Matthew 21:4141They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. (Matthew 21:41) and 22:7 foretold what actually took place about forty years afterward when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. For the ignorant ones there is mercy, and that not only now, when Jews and Gentiles alike hear the Gospel, but in a later day Israel will turn to God, and be His earthly people.
The chapter closes with God’s mind about dishonest and untruthful ways. Evil had to be put away from among His people; sin must be punished.
ML 01/11/1925