Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
You must prepare roads and divide the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance into three parts, so that anyone who accidentally kills someone can flee there for safety.
God is instructing the Israelites to set up a system of safe places where people who accidentally kill someone can find protection from revenge.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of Moses' instructions about cities of refuge that would be established in the Promised Land. In ancient times, when someone was killed, family members had the right and duty to seek revenge on the killer. However, God recognized the difference between intentional murder and accidental killing, so He commanded the creation of these sanctuary cities where those who killed accidentally could find safety until their case could be properly judged.
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