Dt. 19: Justice: Promised Land-Style

Deuteronomy 19:8-9 "If the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your forefathers, and gives you the whole land he promised them, because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today—to love the LORD your God and to walk always in his ways—then you are to set aside three more cities."

I love this contingent promise...."If the LORD your God enlarges your territory...then you are to set aside three more cities." Of course this refers to cities of refuge. God will enlarge the territory of the Israelites, if they follow His commands. Without question, this would take place, as God promised He would do.

The greater the territory, it would seem that the potential for killing taking place would increase. This facilitated the need for more cities of refuge, to protect those who accidentally kill someone. They were to be centrally located. Why this emphasis on protecting killers? Murder is a different thing, of course. It just seems odd that this particular..."offense...?" would receive so much press and forethought.

The guilt of murder and false testimony must be purged from Israel with great prejudice, and without pity. Justice must be done.