Read Deuteronomy 19 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew Paragraphs:
19:1-10 {p} Three cities of refuge
19:11-13 {s} The murderer shall not find refuge
19:14 {s} Do not remove or change boundaries
19:15-21 {s} Justice in the case of false witnesses
It is my belief that we have left the explanation of the 5th Commandment, Honoring father and mother, that is, honoring delegated authorities, and have crossed into the explanation of the 6th Commandment, Do not commit murder. Why do I say that?
19:1-10 {p} Three cities of refuge
This paragraph makes a distinction between accidental manslaughter, and murder.
19:11-13 {s} The murderer shall not find refuge
This paragraph defines that premeditation is a key component of murder.
19:14 {s} Do not remove or change boundaries
Let’s come back to this, as it doesn’t seem at first glance to add anything.
19:15-21 {s} Justice in the case of false witnesses
This paragraph deals with the case of someone who bears false witness in a court of law, in order to get a death penalty conviction for an innocent person. Framing an innocent person by false witness or by planting false evidence—essentially the same thing—to cause their death is the exact same crime as premeditated murder. The only difference is the instrument wielded to deliver the fatal blow.
In order to solve the puzzle of boundaries, let’s look at the Deu 19:11-21 {sx3} Chiastic Structure.
There is more being said here than do not steal your neighbor’s land. The Law itself is an ancient boundary stone. It has set boundaries for determining truth, of right and wrong, justice and criminal activity, and the right exercise of punishment, not for a power rush, but specifically to prevent the spread of evil in society, and so secure peace and security for the vast majority of the law-abiding population. When you move the ancient boundary stone, you are in danger of committing murder, by allowing evil to grow, by giving hatred an open door to rise up against innocent victims. Blood guiltiness increases in the land, so that the murderer finds refuge.
If there are questions, this is a good resource:
Deuteronomy 17:8-19:10, Justice tempered with mercy – Christine Miller
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