Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
You shall set aside three cities on this side of the Jordan River, and three cities in the land of Canaan, which will serve as cities of refuge.
God is instructing the Israelites to establish six specific cities - three on each side of the Jordan River - that would serve as safe places for people to flee to.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Moses, as the Israelites were preparing to divide and settle the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt, God instructed them to designate six cities as places of refuge to handle cases of accidental manslaughter. These cities were located on both sides of the Jordan River, three in the territories east of the Jordan and three in Canaan, to ensure that anyone who unintentionally caused a death could flee there for protection from avenging relatives. This provision was part of the broader Mosaic Law aimed at promoting justice, preventing wrongful killings, and maintaining social order in the emerging Israelite society.
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