Deuteronomy 4 41

Deuteronomy 4:41 kjv

Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:41 nkjv

Then Moses set apart three cities on this side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun,

Deuteronomy 4:41 niv

Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan,

Deuteronomy 4:41 esv

Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan,

Deuteronomy 4:41 nlt

Then Moses set apart three cities of refuge east of the Jordan River.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 41 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:41 records Moses' action of setting apart three cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This was a direct act of obedience to God's prior command (Num 35:9-14; Deut 19:2-13) to establish specific places as cities of refuge, which were designed to provide sanctuary for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another. This initial designation of cities for asylum underscored God's commitment to a just legal system for Israel, differentiating between accidental manslaughter and premeditated murder, and thus preventing the escalation of blood vengeance.

Deuteronomy 4 41 Context

Deuteronomy 4:41 stands within Moses' second major discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. Chapter 4 begins with Moses' exhortation for Israel to obey God's statutes and judgments to prosper and inherit the land. He recounts the transformative event at Mount Horeb (Sinai), where God spoke to them directly, and warns them severely against idolatry, highlighting the uniqueness of their God and the covenant He made with them. The setting apart of the cities of refuge, as described in verse 41, is a practical and immediate application of God's judicial laws. It demonstrates Moses' proactive obedience and readiness to implement God's covenant instructions even prior to full occupation of the Promised Land. This action establishes a critical legal framework—a system of divine justice and mercy to distinguish between intentional murder and accidental killing—crucial for maintaining a stable and just society, preventing arbitrary blood feuds prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and affirming God's standard of life's sanctity.

Deuteronomy 4 41 Word analysis

• "Then Moses set apart" (וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֔ה - wa-yavdeil Moshe):
  • וַיַּבְדֵּל (wa-yavdeil): The verb root is בָּדַל (badal), meaning "to divide," "to separate," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." This is a strong term used in the Bible for divine acts of separation (Gen 1:4, 6, 7, 14, 18), as well as human acts of separation for specific, often sacred, purposes (Lev 20:24-26; Ezr 6:21). Here, it signifies Moses' deliberate, authorized, and formal designation of these cities, giving them a unique legal and spiritual status. It was not a casual decision but a weighty act fulfilling God's will.
• "three cities" (שָׁלֹשׁ עָרִ֑ים - shalosh arim):
  • שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh): The numeral "three." This precise number was specified by God for the first phase of designation, on the eastern side of the Jordan. It highlights the direct fulfillment of divine instruction (Deut 19:2, Num 35:14). Ultimately, six cities were to be appointed in total for the entire land of Israel (Deut 19:9, Josh 20:7).
  • עָרִ֑ים (arim): The plural of עִיר (ir), meaning "city" or "town." These were not merely empty fields but established populated centers capable of providing refuge and facilitating legal proceedings.
• "in the land beyond the Jordan" (בְּעֵ֤בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ - b'ever ha-yarden):
  • בְּעֵבֶר (b'ever): "Beyond," "across," or "on the other side." This term is commonly used in Scripture (often from the perspective of Canaan) to refer to the territory east of the Jordan River.
  • הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (ha-yarden): "The Jordan." Specifically referring to the Jordan River. This geographically anchors the act to the conquered territory previously belonging to Sihon and Og. It highlights the immediate application of God's laws even in lands newly acquired.
• "toward the sunrise" (בְּמִזְרַ֣ח שָׁ֑מֶשׁ - b'mizraḥ shamesh):
  • בְּמִזְרַ֣ח (b'mizraḥ): "To the rising of," "at the rising of." Derived from the root meaning "to rise" or "shine forth" (like the sun).
  • שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (shamesh): "Sun." The phrase literally means "at the rising of the sun," i.e., "eastward" or "on the east side." This phrase serves as a further confirmation of the location, emphasizing the eastern plains where Israel was encamped.

Words-group analysis:

• "Then Moses set apart three cities": This phrase emphasizes Moses' direct, deliberate obedience to God's command (Num 35:9-14; Deut 19:1-2). The "setting apart" implies a solemn, divinely-sanctioned action establishing unique legal sanctuaries for a specific purpose related to justice and the sanctity of life within the covenant community.
• "in the land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise": This group of words defines the precise geographical location for these first three cities. It signifies that even the territory already conquered by Israel, before entering the main portion of Canaan, was immediately brought under God's law and justice system, demonstrating the universal applicability and the imminent implementation of His commandments for His people wherever they dwered. It also anticipates the future need for cities on the western side (Deut 19:9), providing a clear spatial arrangement for accessibility.

Deuteronomy 4 41 Bonus section

• The Cities of Refuge concept in Deuteronomy 4:41 and related passages highlights God's comprehensive provision for His people—not just spiritually but also legally and socially, establishing a foundational legal structure.
• The requirement for these cities to be accessible (Deut 19:3) emphasizes God's equitable justice, ensuring that anyone throughout the land had reasonable access to a refuge, demonstrating His fairness and desire for an ordered society.
• The fact that these cities were also Levitical cities (Josh 21) connects justice with spiritual teaching, implying that matters of law and life were intimately linked with God's presence and instruction. The Levites, who were learned in the Law, would likely have played a role in the adjudication processes within these cities.
• The designation of cities of refuge foreshadows Christ as the ultimate spiritual refuge (Heb 6:18), where sinners, fleeing from the deserved consequences of their sin, find security, forgiveness, and new life through faith in Him. Just as the manslayer had to reach and remain in the city of refuge, so believers must "flee" to Christ and abide in Him for true and lasting safety from judgment.

Deuteronomy 4 41 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:41 concisely describes Moses' crucial administrative act of designating the initial three cities of refuge, east of the Jordan River. This was not a novel idea, but a direct fulfillment of God's command given earlier to manage accidental death in Israel (Numbers 35). This early establishment, even before full occupation of the land of Canaan, shows the immediate priority God placed on justice, the sanctity of human life, and orderly societal function. The "setting apart" implies a holy and dedicated purpose for these places: to provide asylum and a fair legal process for those who had killed unintentionally, preventing vengeful blood-guilt from spiraling out of control. It demonstrates God's mercy woven into His justice, distinguishing between deliberate murder and an act born of tragic accident, thereby upholding a system far more advanced and merciful than common ancient customs of arbitrary blood vengeance.