Deuteronomy 19:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →If Israel remains faithful to God's commandments, three additional cities of refuge are added.
The Context of Deuteronomy 19:9
Adding three more cities of refuge depends on Israel's covenantal faithfulness.
What Does Deuteronomy 19:9 Mean?
The expansion of the refuge system is conditional on Israel's covenantal loyalty. Keeping 'all these commandments' and loving the Lord with obedience are the prerequisites. The addition of three more cities (for a total of six) ties together two themes: God's promised expansion and Israel's responsibility to maintain justice through fidelity to divine law.
The law reflects a theological principle: blessing and expansion follow obedience. The refuge system itself becomes both a sign of God's provision and an incentive for Israel to remain faithful to the covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 19:9
What does Deuteronomy 19:9 mean?
If Israel remains faithful to God's commandments, three additional cities of refuge are added.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 19:9?
Adding three more cities of refuge depends on Israel's covenantal faithfulness.