What does Deuteronomy 19:9 mean?
"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
Deuteronomy 19:9 (KJV) states, "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." This verse is a part of the larger context of Deuteronomy, which is a book filled with laws and instructions given by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.
The verse begins with a conditional statement, "If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them." This clearly emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The Israelites are being reminded that they must keep God's commandments in order to receive His blessings and favor. This echoes the themes of obedience and covenant that are prevalent throughout the Old Testament.
The verse also highlights the specific commandments that the Israelites are to follow. They are instructed to love the Lord their God and to walk in His ways. This serves as a reminder of the great commandment given in Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." The emphasis on love and devotion to God is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, and it reflects the central place that God should hold in the lives of the Israelites.
The verse then promises a specific blessing for obedience. It states, "then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three." This refers to the cities of refuge that are mentioned in earlier verses in Deuteronomy 19. These cities were designated as places of sanctuary for individuals who accidentally killed someone. By adding three more cities of refuge, God is providing additional protection and provision for His people. This demonstrates His care and concern for the well-being of the Israelites.
Symbolically, the cities of refuge can also represent the grace and mercy of God. They serve as a reminder that even in the midst of judgment and consequences for sin, God provides a way of escape and safety for His people. This ties into the overarching theme of redemption and restoration that is present throughout the Bible.
In a broader context, this verse also speaks to the nature of God as a just and loving God. He is not only a God of laws and judgments, but also a God of mercy and provision. The establishment of the cities of refuge reflects His desire to see justice tempered with compassion and mercy.
Furthermore, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the Christian life. Just as the Israelites were required to obey God's commandments and walk in His ways, so too are believers called to live in obedience and love towards God. The promise of blessings for obedience is a timeless principle that applies to all who seek to follow God's will.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 19:9 is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience, love, and faithfulness in the lives of believers. It offers a glimpse into the character of God as a just and loving God who desires His people to walk in His ways. The promise of blessings for obedience and the provision of refuge serves as a source of encouragement and hope for all who seek to follow God wholeheartedly.
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Deuteronomy 19:9 - "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:"
"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
Deuteronomy 9:19 - "For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also."
Deuteronomy 30:19:
Deuteronomy 5:19 - "Neither shalt thou steal."
Deuteronomy 10:19 - "Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."
Deuteronomy 14:19 - "And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten."
"For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also." - Deuteronomy 9:19
"Neither shalt thou steal." - Deuteronomy 5:19
Deuteronomy 19:7 - "Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee."
Deuteronomy 6:19 - "To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken."
Deuteronomy 19:19 - "Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you."
Deuteronomy 27:19 - "Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 19:16 - "¶ If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;"
Deuteronomy 12:19 - "Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth."
Deuteronomy 32:9 - "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."
Genesis 19-9
Deuteronomy 3:9 - "(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)"
Deuteronomy 9:22 - "And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath."
Deuteronomy 28:19 - "Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
Deuteronomy 32:19 - "And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters."
Deuteronomy 6:9 - "And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."
Deuteronomy 19:18 - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
Deuteronomy 19:20 - "And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you."
Deuteronomy 9:24 - "Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you."
Deuteronomy 12:9 - "For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you."
Deuteronomy 33:19 - "They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand."
Deuteronomy 19:10 - "That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee."
Deuteronomy 19:21 - "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."
Deuteronomy 19:2 - "Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it."