신명기 Chapter 19

Translation: ESV

1

When the LORD your God cuts off the nations whose land the LORD your God is giving you, and you dispossess them and dwell in their cities and in their houses,

Key Message

Living by God's law in the land God has given is Israel's calling.

▸Chapter 19 addresses regulations concerning cities of refuge, land boundaries, and the system of witnesses.

Chapter 19 addresses regulations concerning cities of refuge, land boundaries, and the system of witnesses. These are important regulations for the legal framework of Israelite society after settlement in Canaan.

2

you shall set apart three cities for yourselves in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

Key Message

God's law contains the justice of distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental killing.

▸The system of cities of refuge is prescribed.

4

This is the provision for the manslayer, who by fleeing there may save his life. If anyone kills his neighbor unintentionally without having hated him in the past—

Key Message

Just law considers both intent and outcome. Accidental mistakes and intentional crimes are treated differently.

▸The conditions for who may receive the protection of the city of refuge are stated.

11

But if anyone hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him and attacks him and strikes him fatally so that he dies, and he flees into one of these cities,

Key Message

Just law does not protect criminals. Intentional murder brings strict accountability.

▸An intentional murderer cannot receive the protection of a city of refuge.

14

You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

Key Message

Even subtly encroaching on a neighbor's property is a serious sin. Maintaining honest boundaries is the foundation of justice.

▸Moving a boundary marker (landmark) is prohibited.

15

A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

Key Message

A just trial requires sufficient evidence. People must not be condemned on rumor or fragmentary information.

▸The principle of two or three witnesses is repeated.

16

If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing,

Key Message

False testimony is a serious crime that destroys justice.

▸Regulations concerning false witnesses begin.

18

the judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely,

Key Message

Thorough investigation to establish truth is a prerequisite for righteous judgment.

▸The false witness is exposed through thorough investigation.

19

then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

Key Message

Justice requires equal punishment. What one intended to do to another returns upon oneself.

▸The principle of lex talionis (an eye for an eye) is applied.

20

And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you.

Key Message

Fair law enforcement maintains justice and safety in society.

▸The deterrent effect of public punishment of the false witness is mentioned.

21

Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Key Message

Justice must be proportional. But Jesus transcended this with forgiveness and love.

▸The principle of lex talionis is presented clearly.