Deuteronomy 19:9 - if you keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you today, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways; then you shall add three cities more for yourselves, besides these three.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 19:9" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 19:9 is part of a larger section dealing with cities of refuge. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the broader context:
Cities of Refuge: The Israelites were commanded to designate six cities as places of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone. The purpose was to prevent blood vengeance by the victim's family until a fair trial could determine if the killing was truly accidental or intentional.
Original Three Cities: Deuteronomy 19:2-3 instructs them to set aside three cities on the east side of the Jordan River.
The Promise of Three More: This verse (Deuteronomy 19:9) promises that if they faithfully obey God's commandments, specifically loving God and walking in His ways, then they would be given the opportunity to add three more cities of refuge to their territory, bringing the total to six.
Breaking down the verse:
"if you keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you today...": This sets up a condition. The promise of additional cities is contingent upon the Israelites' obedience to God's laws. It's not a guaranteed inheritance; it's a blessing that comes with faithfulness.
"...to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways...": This clarifies the specific obedience required. It's not just about following legalistic rules, but about a deep, abiding love for God that is demonstrated through consistent obedience and adherence to His ways. This encompasses the entirety of God's law and character.
"...then you shall add three cities more for yourselves, besides these three.": This is the reward for their obedience. God promises to enlarge their territory and bless them with the opportunity to establish three more cities of refuge. The expansion of the cities of refuge likely correlates to an expansion of territory and population under Israelite control.
Interpretation and Significance:
Obedience Brings Blessing: The core message is that obedience to God brings blessings. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Importance of Loving God: The focus on loving God and walking in His ways highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with God as the foundation for obedience. It's not just about outward actions, but about an inward devotion.
Future Blessing: This verse could be interpreted as a forward-looking promise, indicating that as Israel grew in faithfulness and territory, their responsibility to provide refuge and justice would also expand.
Conditions for Expansion: It emphasizes that expansion and prosperity are not automatic rights, but are dependent upon faithfulness to God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 19:9 is a conditional promise linked to obedience. If the Israelites faithfully loved God and followed His commands, He would bless them with increased territory and the opportunity to establish three additional cities of refuge. It illustrates the link between obedience, blessing, and the responsibility to provide justice and protection within the community.
Deuteronomy 19:9 - if you keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you today, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways; then you shall add three cities more for yourselves, besides these three.
What does "Deuteronomy 19:9" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 19:9 is part of a larger section dealing with cities of refuge. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the broader context:
Cities of Refuge: The Israelites were commanded to designate six cities as places of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone. The purpose was to prevent blood vengeance by the victim's family until a fair trial could determine if the killing was truly accidental or intentional.
Original Three Cities: Deuteronomy 19:2-3 instructs them to set aside three cities on the east side of the Jordan River.
The Promise of Three More: This verse (Deuteronomy 19:9) promises that if they faithfully obey God's commandments, specifically loving God and walking in His ways, then they would be given the opportunity to add three more cities of refuge to their territory, bringing the total to six.
Breaking down the verse:
"if you keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you today...": This sets up a condition. The promise of additional cities is contingent upon the Israelites' obedience to God's laws. It's not a guaranteed inheritance; it's a blessing that comes with faithfulness.
"...to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in his ways...": This clarifies the specific obedience required. It's not just about following legalistic rules, but about a deep, abiding love for God that is demonstrated through consistent obedience and adherence to His ways. This encompasses the entirety of God's law and character.
"...then you shall add three cities more for yourselves, besides these three.": This is the reward for their obedience. God promises to enlarge their territory and bless them with the opportunity to establish three more cities of refuge. The expansion of the cities of refuge likely correlates to an expansion of territory and population under Israelite control.
Interpretation and Significance:
Obedience Brings Blessing: The core message is that obedience to God brings blessings. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Importance of Loving God: The focus on loving God and walking in His ways highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with God as the foundation for obedience. It's not just about outward actions, but about an inward devotion.
Future Blessing: This verse could be interpreted as a forward-looking promise, indicating that as Israel grew in faithfulness and territory, their responsibility to provide refuge and justice would also expand.
Conditions for Expansion: It emphasizes that expansion and prosperity are not automatic rights, but are dependent upon faithfulness to God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 19:9 is a conditional promise linked to obedience. If the Israelites faithfully loved God and followed His commands, He would bless them with increased territory and the opportunity to establish three additional cities of refuge. It illustrates the link between obedience, blessing, and the responsibility to provide justice and protection within the community.