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Deuteronomy 19:1-21 open_in_new
The Cities of Refuge. Punishment of Deceit and False Witness
1-13. On the Cities of Refuge see Numbers 35:9-34 and notes there.
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Deuteronomy 19:2 open_in_new
In the midst of thy land] Those on the E. side of the Jordan have already been assigned: see on Deuteronomy 4:41-43.
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Deuteronomy 19:3 open_in_new
Prepare thee a way] It was the duty of the Sanhedrim, or chief council of the Jews, to maintain the roads to these cities in good repair, and to have finger-posts where necessary with the words 'Refuge, Refuge' inscribed upon them, so as to afford every facility to the fugitive.
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Deuteronomy 19:8 open_in_new
Enlarge thy coast] i.e. thy border, to the limits mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:7; Deuteronomy 11:24. The condition of such enlargement is stated in the next v.
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Deuteronomy 19:9 open_in_new
Three cities more] i.e. besides the three mentioned in Deuteronomy 19:2; Deuteronomy 19:7, and those in Deuteronomy 4:41-43. The additional three would be in the newly added territory beyond the usual limits of the kingdom. There is no evidence to show that they were actually appointed.
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Deuteronomy 19:14 open_in_new
Cp. Deuteronomy 27:17; Job 24:2; Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; Hosea 5:10. The landmark was usually a stone, or heap of stones, which in the absence of hedges or walls defined the boundary of a man's field. Its removal was equivalent to theft.
15-21. The law of false witness. Cases of suspected false witness are to be investigated and punished by the supreme court: see on 178-13.
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Deuteronomy 19:21 open_in_new
See on Exodus 21:23 and cp. Leviticus 24:20.