KJV ORIGINAL
Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
You must set apart three cities for yourself in the middle of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is instructing the Israelites to establish three special cities in their new homeland for a specific protective purpose.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land after their wilderness wanderings. These were to be 'cities of refuge' where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for protection from revenge. This system provided justice and mercy, distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter.
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