Journal Through the Bible: Week 28 Saturday

source

Deuteronomy 19:1-20:20

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God commanded them to separate 3 cities of refuge on the western side of the Jordan River and stated that if they inhabited the whole land that was promised them they should separate 3 cities on the eastern bank also.
• Those found guilty of premeditated murder would be delivered to the avenger of blood so that the sentence of death could be executed.
• A neighbor's landmark was not to be removed. This would be stealing the family inheritance.
• A man could only be condemned by the testimony of at least 2 witnesses. One witness was not enough to convict a man.
• A false witness would suffer the punishment meant for the man he wished to condemn once his duplicity was revealed.
• The people were not to fear the enemies that appeared mightier than they. Those who had just built a new house, or purchased a new vineyard, or become engaged to a wife would be excused from battle. After that those who were fearful were to be excused so they would not have an opportunity to discourage others.
• The soldiers were to first offer peace to a city (those afar off and not of the cities of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) and if the city accepted the terms of peace the inhabitants would become servants. If they did not accept the terms the city would be besieged and the male inhabitants killed.
• Only trees that did not bear edible fruit could be used to make bulwarks against the besieged cities.

Does God make any promises?

• By starting this passage with the word "When" God is promising to destroy the nations in Canaan and give their land to the Hebrews.
• When giving the instructions concerning the people who would gain admittance to a city of refuge God promised safety from the avenger.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The cities of refuge are a picture of Christ. We are guilty of killing another (the guilt of Jesus' death is laid upon us) and yet we can run to Him for refuge until the time of judgment where we will be declared "not guilty" and freed from the one who wishes us harm. Jesus is also our High Priest whose death set us free from the penalty of our deeds and the avenger cannot touch us.
• The law stated that a man could only be condemned through the word of at least 2 witnesses but none of the witnesses at Jesus' trial could agree on the evidence. He was thus wrongly accused even by the requirements found in the Jews' laws.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Someday God will make war against His enemies and Jesus will lead the charge. He will have no need of bulwarks when laying siege. Revelation tells us that His weapon will be a two-edged sword, or the words of His mouth, since scripture is also called God's Word and is described as a two-edged sword.