Deuteronomy 19 9

Deuteronomy 19:9 kjv

If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three:

Deuteronomy 19:9 nkjv

and if you keep all these commandments and do them, which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and to walk always in His ways, then you shall add three more cities for yourself besides these three,

Deuteronomy 19:9 niv

because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today?to love the LORD your God and to walk always in obedience to him?then you are to set aside three more cities.

Deuteronomy 19:9 esv

provided you are careful to keep all this commandment, which I command you today, by loving the LORD your God and by walking ever in his ways ? then you shall add three other cities to these three,

Deuteronomy 19:9 nlt

you must designate three additional cities of refuge. (He will give you this land if you are careful to obey all the commands I have given you ? if you always love the LORD your God and walk in his ways.)

Deuteronomy 19 verses

Deuteronomy 19 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 19:9 teaches that God's people, Israel, if they faithfully keep all of His commandments out of love for Him and live consistently according to His ways, will experience a tangible blessing of increased territory. This expansion of land would necessitate and enable them to establish additional cities of refuge, demonstrating God's continued provision for justice and sanctuary within a growing nation. The verse thus links heartfelt obedience to divine provision and increased national responsibility.

Deuteronomy 19 9 Context

Deuteronomy 19 is situated within Moses' second discourse, reviewing the Mosaic Law before Israel enters the Promised Land. This chapter specifically outlines judicial laws concerning manslaughter, including the establishment and use of cities of refuge. These cities served as places of asylum for unintentional manslayers, preventing immediate retribution and allowing for due legal process. Verses 1-8 describe the initial three cities of refuge to be set apart once Israel occupies Canaan west of the Jordan, and explains their function.

Verse 9 acts as a conditional expansion to this divine provision. It moves from the specific law about cities of refuge to a broader covenantal principle: Israel's obedience to the entirety of God's law would lead to increased territory, thereby necessitating the establishment of more cities of refuge. Historically, the twelve tribes were intended to completely conquer the land God promised. The promise of adding "three cities more" looks beyond the initial occupation and anticipates a greater territorial expanse for Israel than what was first commanded for the six cities (three on the west side, three on the east of the Jordan). This highlights the conditional nature of divine blessing in the covenant and the importance of full obedience for experiencing God's full design for their nation and its justice system.

Deuteronomy 19 9 Word Analysis

• and if you keep all this commandment and do it:

  • This phrase emphasizes comprehensive and active obedience. "Keep" (Hebrew: shamar, שָׁמַר) implies guarding, observing, and holding dear, not merely intellectual assent. "Do it" (Hebrew: `asah, עָשָׂה) implies practical implementation. The repeated emphasis highlights the covenantal requirement for Israel's participation and active adherence to divine directives, distinguishing true faithfulness from passive listening or mere intention. This active obedience is the prerequisite for the blessings to follow.

• which I command you today:

  • "Command" (Hebrew: tsavah, צָוָה) signifies a divine imperative, a direct order from the ultimate authority. "Today" highlights the immediacy and present responsibility of the covenant. It implies that these commands are current and require immediate attention and adherence, not something to be postponed. It reinforces Moses' role as the mediator of God's present, living Word to Israel, continually challenging them to renewed commitment.

• to love the LORD your God:

  • "Love" (Hebrew: ahab, אָהַב) is not mere sentiment but active devotion, demonstrated through covenant fidelity. This points to the motivation behind obedience: it should flow from a deep, personal affection and loyalty to God, rather than being a mere legalistic observance or burdensome duty. This command forms the central tenet of the Mosaic Covenant, foundational to all other laws (Deu 6:5). It encapsulates a comprehensive commitment of the heart, soul, and might.

• and to walk ever in His ways:

  • "Walk" (Hebrew: halak, הָלַךְ) signifies a continuous, consistent manner of life or conduct. It describes a lifestyle. "Ever" or "at all times" emphasizes an unending commitment, meaning one's entire journey through life is directed by God's path. "His ways" refers to God's character, principles, statutes, and ordinances—the very nature of God made manifest in His law. This means that obedience is not sporadic or partial, but a comprehensive, life-encompassing pilgrimage guided by divine standards.

• then you shall add three cities more for yourself, besides these three:

  • "Add" implies expansion, augmentation beyond the initial provision. This conditional promise is a material blessing directly tied to Israel's spiritual faithfulness. "Three cities more" points to a doubling of the number of asylum cities mentioned earlier in the chapter (referring to the three west of Jordan, plus three east, hence an additional three, totaling nine, as the context is generally focused on Israel occupying the main land of Canaan. Some interpretations hold it implies adding to the initially suggested 6 cities). This expansion is a divine allowance for growth in the Promised Land. "Besides these three" (referring to the three specifically on the west side of the Jordan) indicates that the promise is about further territorial expansion, which will bring more responsibility in administering justice. This reflects God's readiness to bless His people with more land, provided they maintain the righteous character fitting for His holy nation, extending righteous governance and divine mercy within that greater territory.

Deuteronomy 19 9 Bonus section

This verse, within the Deuteronomic theology, illustrates the "If...then" covenantal structure, where divine promises are conditional on human response. It beautifully bridges the gap between ritual or law and the internal state of the heart. The focus is not just on what Israel does, but why they do it ("to love the LORD your God") and how they do it ("to walk ever in His ways"). This holistic approach to obedience implies that an inward spiritual commitment should naturally manifest in outward actions and a consistently righteous lifestyle. The ultimate aim of the expanded cities of refuge, consequent to obedience, was not merely land acquisition, but the maintenance of justice and the sanctity of life within a blessed and growing nation. This divine justice system was crucial for God's presence to remain among them (Deu 23:14).

Deuteronomy 19 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:9 is a pivotal verse that transcends its immediate context of cities of refuge to reveal a profound covenantal principle: the direct link between faithful, loving obedience to God and tangible divine blessings, specifically territorial expansion. The call to "keep all this commandment and do it" is an insistence on holistic obedience, driven by a deep, heartfelt "love for the LORD your God." This love is not merely emotional but expressed through a consistent lifestyle of "walking ever in His ways." This phrase encapsulates a continuous and encompassing adherence to God's character and precepts.

The promise of adding "three cities more" symbolizes God's desire to enlarge Israel's dominion beyond their initially allotted boundaries (the initial six cities mentioned in Num 35 and Deu 19:1-8). This was a tangible manifestation of God's covenant blessings—greater land and prosperity—conditional upon their sustained faithfulness. As Israel expanded, so would the need for, and divine provision of, justice infrastructure. This underscores that God's blessings come with increased responsibility.

This verse teaches that the full experience of God's promises—both in ancient Israel and metaphorically in believers' lives—is intricately tied to active, love-motivated obedience. It implies that God's plan for His people is one of ever-increasing blessing and impact, constrained only by their faithfulness. For believers, this principle resonates in the New Testament, where obedience born of love for Christ (Joh 14:15) leads to spiritual growth, expanded influence for the Kingdom, and deeper intimacy with God, though not always physical territorial gain. It reinforces that genuine faith is active, expressive, and fruitful.